Check cashing with a mobile phone

ABSTRACT

A card actuated automated banking machine ( 152, 198, 200 ) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader ( 170 ), a printer ( 174 ), a bill dispenser ( 176 ), a display ( 182 ), a check imaging device ( 186 ), and at least one processor ( 190 ). The machine is operative, responsive to receiving a check and certification data, to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check to the machine need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices of the machine in order to receive cash for the check. Furthermore, prior to accepting the check as a payment, the person can communicate with at least one computer ( 204 ) through at least one consumer interface device ( 208 ) to verify that the check is payable for the check amount.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/692,179 filed on Apr. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/501,940 filed Sep. 30, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,010,629, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/247,437, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,809, filed Apr. 8, 2014,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/862,618,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,695,874, filed Apr. 15, 2013, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/199,600 filed Sep. 2, 2011,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,916, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/806,548 filed Aug. 16, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,576,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/821,227 filedJun. 22, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,295, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 11/732,370 filed Apr. 3, 2007, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,416,112, which claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Applications 60/789,644 filed Apr. 5, 2006 and60/795,721 filed Apr. 28, 2006. The disclosures of each of the abovementioned applications are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety as if fully rewritten herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines that are actuatedresponsive to indicia on cards carried by users. The example automatedbanking machine is used in a system that enables a user to cash a checkat an automated banking machine.

BACKGROUND

Automated banking machines actuated responsive to user cards are knownin the prior art. For purposes of this disclosure an automated bankingmachine, automated teller machine, ATM, or automated transaction machineshall include any device which is capable of carrying out transactionsincluding transfers of value. Furthermore, it should be understood thatfor purposes of this disclosure the terms cash and currency areinterchangeable. Automated banking machines are typically operative toperform banking transactions such as dispensing cash, transferring valuebetween banking accounts, or accepting deposits. Many automated bankingmachines are located in retail or service facilities such as stores, gasstations, restaurants and bars. The owners of these facilities oftengenerate income from the automated banking machines through service feeson transactions performed with the machine. For example, if a userwithdraws an amount of cash from the automated banking machine, the usermay be charged a small transaction fee.

If the automated banking machine has only marginal use, the incomegenerated may not be sufficient to justify the expense of maintainingthe machine. For example, maintenance and service costs may consume alarge portion of the monthly income generated by an automated bankingmachine which has low transaction volumes.

Alternative embodiments of systems that include automated bankingmachines may benefit from improved check cashing capabilities. Forexample, while some automated banking machines provide the capabilitiesfor a user to deposit and/or cash a check, such capabilities aregenerally limited to persons who have an account such as a checkingaccount and a debit card that will enable operation of the automatedbanking machine. Persons who may receive checks and who do not have anaccount and card that can operate the automated banking machine, or whodo not wish to use such a card or account, are generally not able tocash a check at an automated banking machine.

OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Described in example embodiments herein are techniques that allow amaker of a check to pre-validate a check and provide a certification toa recipient of the check to allow the recipient to cash the check. Therecipient provides the check and the certification code at an automatedbanking machine to cash the check.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view representative of an example embodiment of anautomated banking machine and system that is operative to dispensedigital information.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view representative of an example embodiment of anautomated banking machine and system that is operative to dispensedigital sound recordings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view representative of the distribution oftransaction fees from digital information dispensed by an automatedbanking machine.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view representative of an example automatedbanking machine and system that is operative to print files retrievedfrom either a portable medium of a consumer or a processor of digitalinformation.

FIG. 5 is a view representative of an arrangement that is operative topermit cash payment for goods ordered through a network.

FIG. 6 is a view representative of user payment options.

FIGS. 7A through 7E are representative of example steps relating topurchasing of goods.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an automated banking machine operating inconjunction with gaming machines and an accrued value processing networkin a gaming establishment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an example automated banking machine ofthe type represented in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example process through which theautomated banking machine may dispense and redeem items includingmachine readable indicia that are used in connection with gamingmachines in a gaming establishment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an example banking system whichfacilitates the cashing of checks for users.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein a schematic view of an automated banking machine of an exampleembodiment generally indicated 10. The automated banking machine of theexample embodiment operates responsive to data on user cards. Forpurposes of brevity, the automated banking machine may be referred toherein as an ATM. However, it should be understood that this referenceis merely an example of automated banking machines which may employ theprinciples described herein. The machine 10 includes at least onecomputer processor 12, referred to alternatively herein as a processoror computer, that is operatively programmed to enable the machine toperform at least one banking transaction such as the dispense of cash.The computer processor 12 is also operatively programmed to enable themachine to dispense digital content which is alternatively referred toherein as digital information. To perform these functions the machinefurther includes in operative connection with the computer processor 12,at least one data store 13, a display device 14, at least one inputdevice 16, at least one output device 18, a card reader 20 which alsoserves as an input device, and a cash dispenser 24. The machine 10 isfurther operative to communicate through at least one communicationdevice such as a modem, network access card, etc. with at least onefinancial transaction processing computer which is operative to carryout financial transfers which in this example is host banking system 30.The machine 10 also is enabled to communicate through an appropriatecommunications device with at least one digital information source 32.In the example embodiment the machine 10 is operative to downloaddigital information from the digital information source 32 through anetwork 34 such as the Internet. Example automated banking machines mayhave features like those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,613, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It should be understood that the machine 10 and system are examples andin other embodiments automated banking machines may include other oradditional devices and may operate in other types of systems. Forexample, embodiments may include in operative connection with thecomputer processor 12, a currency acceptor 22, a data store including astorage device drive 26, and a communication port 28 which serves as anoutput device. The storage device drive 26 serves as a local data storeand enables the computer processor to dispense digital information to aportable storage medium 36. The communication port 28 enables thecomputer processor to cause the dispense of digital information to aportable computing device 38.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example embodiment of the machine 10 thatis operative to dispense both cash and digital content comprising soundrecordings such as music and songs. However, it is to be understood thatsome embodiments may also provide for the dispensing of other types ofdigital information including digital representations of images, books,software, audiovisual works, movies, TV shows, magazines, newspapers,games, compilations, databases and other types of digital content thatmay be delivered in a digital format.

Example machine 10 includes a display device 14 such as a CRT monitor orLCD display. The display device is operative responsive to the processorto output user interface indicia 46. The user interface indicia mayinclude instructional outputs for operating the machine as well ascontent indicia which are representative of the portions of digitalinformation that may be dispensed from the machine for a fee. In someembodiments the content indicia may include listings of songs, movies,books or other portions of the digital content which a user may selectto have delivered. Example embodiments may also include graphicalrepresentations regarding the information, such as pictures of theartist or CD liner in the case of music files. Audio and/or visualoutputs may also be provided to identify, and in some cases enable theuser to sample the available information.

Example machine 10 also includes at least one input device 16 such as akeypad and selection buttons. The input device(s) enable the user toenter operation inputs such as a personal information number (PIN)corresponding to an account, an amount of cash to withdraw, or aselection of a particular digital sound recording or other portion ofthe digital content to dispense. Although this described embodimentincludes function keys and a keypad, alternative embodiments may useother or additional types of input devices for entering information,such as a touch screen device, a speech recognition system, or a trackball.

The machine 10 also includes a cash dispenser 24 and a card reader 20.The card reader 20 is an input device operative to read indiciacorresponding to account information from a user's card. The card may bea bank card, credit card, debit card, gas card, merchant card, smartcard, or other medium that is operative to store account data and/orother information which may be used to identify a user or theiraccounts. In some embodiments the machine may include a biometric typereading device which may identify the user by a characteristic thereof.Such biometric reading devices may include for example a fingerprintreader, iris scanner, retina scanner, voice recognition device, facialrecognition reader or other device. The example machine 10 is operativeto dispense a selected amount of cash to the user from the cashdispenser 24, and to debit the account of the user through communicationwith a financial transaction computer such as a host banking system. Theexample machine 10 is also operative to debit user fees from the accountfor dispensing digital information from the machine as well.

In alternative embodiments, the machine may also include at least onecurrency accepting device 22. For users who do not wish to use anaccount to pay for the dispense of digital information, the machine isoperative to receive the user fees in the form of cash such as billsand/or coin, using the currency accepting device 22. Currency acceptingmachines may have features like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,981,638 and/or 6,983,880, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

In the example embodiment, the digital information dispensed by themachine 10 includes digital sound recording files 44. Examples ofdigital sound recording files include MP3 files, WAV files, SDMI files,and Windows Media files. Each file may correspond to an individual musicselection or song. However, sound files may correspond to any collectionof sounds of any type and length. Other examples of sound recordingfiles include compilations of songs such as are found on music CDs andspoken textual material corresponding to news articles, stories,speeches and books.

In the example embodiment, the machine 10 acquires sound files todispense from at least one remote digital information source 32. Thesource 32 may include a web site or FTP site accessible through theInternet, or sources in other public or private networks. The examplemachine 10 is operative to periodically download a plurality of soundfiles that match certain customizable programmed criteria. The machinemay also download corresponding graphics or video files associated withthe sound files. These downloaded files are stored locally at themachine in a local content data store 13 such as a hard drive. Themachine 10 is operative to display or output graphical, textual and/oraudio content indicia representative of these sound files with thedisplay device 14. A user of the machine 10 may then provide one or moreinputs to select and/or dispense one or more of these sound files.

The machine may be programmably configured with different types ofdownloading criteria. For example, if the machine is located in a danceclub, the downloading criteria may be configured to have the machineperiodically download the sound files that correspond to the top 100most popular dance songs for the month. If the machine is located in abook store, the machine may be configured to periodically download soundfiles representative of the bestselling fiction and nonfiction books forthe month.

In the example embodiment if the data store 13 does not have alreadystored therein the sound file that a user desires, the example machineis further operative to have the user enter a selection inputcorresponding to the desired sound file such as a title or the name ofan artist or group. The machine is then operative to query one or moreremote content data stores for the requested sound file(s). A message isreturned to the machine which is operative to cause the processor togenerate a listing of matching sound files which is displayed on thedisplay device 14 of the machine 10. In a response to one or moredispense inputs from the customer, and for a fee, the machine 10 is thenoperative to download and dispense one or more of the matching soundfiles from an output device.

In some embodiments in which a network connection such as an Internetconnection is not available or is not always used, the machine may beoperative to acquire sound files from portable storage mediums such asCDs. Such sound files may then be copied or ripped from the CD and savedlocally to the data store 13 in the machine.

The example machine may be operative to dispense digital information ina plurality of different ways depending on the type of digitalinformation. For example the machine described in connection with FIG. 2further includes an output device 18 that includes a sound system 60.The sound system 60 includes a sound signal amplifier 40 with aplurality of speakers 42. The machine 10 is operative to output thoughthe sound system 60, analog or digital signals that correspond toselected digital sound recording files. The signal amplifier 40 isoperative to output sound through the speakers 42 that corresponds tothe sound file signals. Such a machine may then function as a fee-baseddigital music player or jukebox. For restaurants, bars, and otherfacilities that offer music, the example embodiment offers the abilityto generate user fees for both the dispensing of cash and the dispensingof audible music.

For other forms of digital information that is visual, such as text,documents, images or video for example, the machine may be operative tooutput such digital content either through the display device 14 of themachine 10 or through an output device 18 that includes a video system62 or a printing system 64. A video system may include one or moremonitors, TVs, speakers, LCD displays, or projection TV. Embodiments mayinclude multiple output devices for outputting multiple forms of digitalinformation concurrently. A printing system 64 may include a monochromeor color printer capable of outputting documents and/or photo qualityprints of images or other graphics.

If multiple sound files or other forms of digital information have beenselected for output through the output device, the example embodimentmay be operative to sequentially output each song either in the orderthe digital information was selected, or in other orders, includingalphabetical by title of song, artist, album, style, or in a randomorder.

Alternative embodiments may also dispense digital information such assound files, to other storage mediums. For example the machine 10 mayinclude a storage device drive 26 such as a CD-R or CD-RW drive which isoperative to accept a portable storage medium 36 such as a write-once orrewriteable CD. For a fee the machine may be programmed to dispense thesound file by writing a copy of the sound file on a user supplied CD.Alternatively, the machine may include a supply of blank CDs or othermedia, and may copy the file onto the media and deliver it to the user.Examples of other types of storage device drives that are operative foruse with embodiments may include portable hard drive readers such as anIomega Jaz® drive; magneto optical drives such as an Iomega Zip® drive;flash memory drives for writing to flash memory devices such asCompactFlash and Sony Memory Stick®; DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM drives,Mini-CD drives, and digital tape drives.

Alternative embodiments may dispense digital information such as soundfiles, through an output device which includes a communication port 18directly to a portable computing device. Examples of suitablecommunication ports 18 include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, aserial RS-232 port, parallel port, an infrared (IR) port, a radiofrequency (RF) port such as Bluetooth, an IEEE-1394 port, or a networkport such as a wired or wireless Ethernet connection. When a portablecomputing device such as an iPod or a Diamond Rio is connected to theport 18, the machine may be operative for a fee to download MP3 soundfiles to the MP3 player. Examples of other types of portable computingdevices that may receive dispensed digital information such as soundfiles include a portable computer such as a notebook computer, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) and a mobile phone.

Alternative embodiments may be operative to dispense digital informationto a user through the Internet by e-mail or FTP for example. In suchembodiments the user may select the information through inputs to themachine 10. The machine would prompt the user to input through at leastone input device an e-mail, FTP or other network delivery address. Themachine would then be operative through an output device such as asuitable network interface, to e-mail or FTP the selected digitalinformation to the user, rather than dispensing the digital informationthrough output devices, to a portable storage medium or to a computingdevice adjacent the machine. Alternatively the machine may send one ormore messages through one or more networks to a remote computer, whichmessages cause the remote computer to send the selected digital contentto the network address. Such a system may be useful for purposes ofenabling a user to order as yet unavailable content, such as a newcollection of songs by an artist, a movie, software, video games, abook, a television program, financial reports or other data that is notyet available. Example embodiments may enable a machine user to requestsuch content prior to availability, and then receive it electronicallyas soon as it is released. Such approaches may enable the content ownerto be assured payment by receiving payment in advance through operationof the machine, or by being assured of payment at the time of delivery.Of course these approaches are examples.

Alternatively or in addition, a machine user may in some embodimentsoperate the machine to subscribe to other content that may be availablefor free. This may include for example content that is provided toentice a user to purchase another item for a fee. Alternatively suchcontent may include information about investments, loans or bankingproducts offered by a financial institution operating the machine. Ofcourse these approaches are examples.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view representative of accounts that areaccessed by the example machine 10 for distributing user fees. Becausethe machine 10 is in operative connection with a host banking system orother system for settling accounts, machine 10 is enabled to deduct auser fee from an account of the user in exchange for the dispense ofdigital information. The example embodiment of the machine 10 operatesby reading an account number from a card inserted by a user into thecard reader 20. The account number includes data representative of oneor more financial accounts associated with the user. The information onthe card will include data corresponding to an institution where theuser's account is held. Examples of cards that are operative for usewith some embodiments include credit cards, bank cards, debit cards,merchant cards, smart cards, or any other portable medium that can storeaccount or user information and/or data representative of stored value.The example machine 10 is operative to communicate with a financialtransaction computer which includes or which can communicate with, ahost banking system which can validate a user inputted PIN and authorizea transaction requested by the user at the machine. If the PIN is validand the transaction authorized, the message(s) sent by machine 10 isfurther operative to cause the host banking system to debit user feesfrom the user's account corresponding to the requested dispense of cashand/or the requested dispense of digital information. Transaction feesor other charges for the convenience of using the machine may also becharged to the user's account. Alternatively as previously discussed,embodiments may identify users by biometric information. The biometricdata from the user may then be used by a local or remote computer toidentify the user and/or their associated account information.

The dispensing of most digital information is limited by the copyrightowner. Typically the copyright owner requires a fee or royalty to copy,display, publicly perform or otherwise deliver the work. The amount ofthe fee may vary depending on how the work is authorized to be used. Forexample if the work is a sound recording, the fee to play the sound fileone time in a restaurant may be much less than the fee to dispense thesound file to a portable storage medium which may be duplicated anunlimited number of times. Consequently, an example embodiment isoperative to track how digital information is dispensed and to transfercorresponding licensing fees to a licensing entity, a digitalinformation source and/or other entities authorized to receive payment.Likewise stored information concerning the nature, location, size,contract status or other information concerning the establishment inwhich the particular machine is located may be used to determine thefee. For example the fee to play a music file in a small restaurant maybe less than in a large dance club. Similar principles may be applied tocharging for other types of audio files, documents, images, videos,audiovisual files and pay-per-view type events.

The example machine 10 may be operative to debit a user fee from theuser's account 50 for each dispense of digital information. The userfees may be transferred to a common banking account 54 of the operatorof the machine 10. Transfers of user fees may occur either immediatelywith each dispense and/or may occur periodically with the machine 10transferring data concerning multiple charges made to credit cards ofvarious users to a financial transaction computer, such as a settlementhost for example, which is operative to credit and debit accounts of theappropriate entities.

Licensing fees for downloading digital information from a digitalinformation source may be transferred in a similar manner. The machine10 may generate messages or may include data in messages operative tocause a financial transaction computer to transfer a licensing fee fromthe account 54 that corresponds to the operator of the machine 10, to anaccount of the digital information source 32. Such a transfer may beperformed through the host banking system or through another transactionswitch or through interaction of one or more financial transactioncomputers. Such transfers may occur with each download or may occurperiodically for a batch of downloads which have occurred during a priortime period.

In an alternative embodiment, the machine 10 is configured with inputswhich include a terminal identifying UseriD and a password for use whenconnecting through one or more networks to the digital informationsource 32. The UseriD and password enable the machine 10 to access thedigital information source 32 and to download digital information. Thedigital information source 32 monitors all downloads that correspond tothe UseriD and periodically charges the account 54 that corresponds tothe operator of the machine. Alternatively for some types of digitalinformation, the charge may be assessed against an account of theestablishment where the machine is located or an account of the operatorof the establishment. This may be appropriate in cases where the useassociated with the digital information, as indicated by the transactionmessages received from the machine and/or based on stored data, is apublic display or performance of the work in the establishment. Ofcourse other approaches may be used.

Once digital information has been downloaded to the data store 13 of themachine 10, the copyright owner of the digital information may requirethat a licensing fee be paid with each dispense of the digitalinformation to a user or upon each public display or performance. Themachine 10 or other connected computer is operative to keep records ofeach dispense of digital content and the character of dispense that ismade. The example machine is further operative to transfer licensingfees associated with each dispense to an account of the digitalinformation source 32 or another licensing entity 52 through thefinancial transaction computer. This transfer may be done with eachdispense or periodically for a batch of dispenses.

In an alternative embodiment, the machine 10 may be operative totransfer dispense records to the digital information source or thelicensing entity through the Internet or other network. The digitalinformation source 32 or licensing entity 52 may then debit or chargethe licensing fees from an account that corresponds to the user, theoperator of the machine, the operator of the establishment or otherappropriate entity.

For digital information that includes copy protection features or othertechnological measure to limit reproduction, access or use of thecopyrighted work, the machine 10 may be further operative to configureor incorporate the protection features and charge a user fee thatcorresponds to the copy or other protection features which are included.For example, machine 10 may be enabled to have the user select licensingfeatures of a song file such as unlimited or restricted duplication,expiration dates, or other features of the sound file that affect thereproduction or use of the sound file. For example, the protectionfeatures used in some embodiments may restrict reproduction of thedigital content so that it may only be played in the portable computingdevice to which it is initially delivered. Other features may restrictreproduction by preventing the digital content from being transferredfrom or otherwise reproduced in digital form from the media or device onwhich it is initially delivered. Other features may restrictreproduction by limiting the use of the digital content to a particulartime period or to a particular number of plays. Of course additional oralternative approaches may be used depending on the system and thedigital content involved. The machine 10 may be operative to charge theuser a corresponding user fee based on the type of protection featuresselected. The machine may also be operative to cause the correspondinglicensing or other fee to be paid to the source of the digitalinformation or a licensing entity.

Alternative embodiments may be used in connection with systems whichinclude stored information concerning particular users. Such systems maybe used to correlate the identity of the user with marketing or customerpreference data. Such information may include particular categories ofmusic, videos, books or other materials or products that can be providedand/or that are of interest to the particular user. The machine mayoperate to automatically give the user options for selections tailoredto their associated preference information. Alternatively suchinformation may be used to automatically provide the user with digitalfiles, visual or audio outputs or other outputs whenever the useroperates a machine connected to the system. For example when the machineis operated as a jukebox, the machine may operate to automaticallydisplay indicia corresponding to favorite artists or songs, or to outputone or more of the user's favorite songs.

In certain embodiments it may not be desirable for a user to accesstheir financial account each time a relatively small charge for digitalinformation is assessed to the user. In such systems the system may beconfigured so that the user is required to make a “minimum purchase.”This amount may be a charge reasonably sufficient to offset the costs ofaccessing the account, for example $10 or $20. This amount would then becredited to a content prepay account associated with the user. Such anaccount is alternatively referred to herein as an accrued value account.A prepay account record indicating a credit associated with the user ortheir account would then be stored in one or more data stores. Thiscredit information may be stored locally on a smart card or other item,at the machine or remotely in a computer such as a financial transactioncomputer which can be accessed from the machine. For example in someembodiments the amount may be credited to a licensing or otherorganization. Alternatively, a financial transaction computer may debitthe prepay account of the user as it is used and route payments to theappropriate entities. The amount of value associated with the prepayaccount may then be reduced each time the user receives a delivery ofdigital content until the account is exhausted. Such a system may beadvantageously used where the fees involved in each digital filetransaction are small, such as the cost or playing sound files. Such asystem also provides the system operator, licensing entity, or otherentity the benefit of the “float” which is the ability to generaterevenue by earning interest or other forms of income on the allocatedfunds.

To discourage or limit the unauthorized reproduction of digitalinformation that may be dispensed, example embodiments may beoperatively programmed to modify features of the digital informationbefore it is delivered for reproduction on a portable medium andcomputing device. For example with digital sound files, the processor inthe machine comprises a reproduction device that may operate to embed adigital code or certificate in the sound file that is reproduced on theuser's portable digital sound player or other personal computing device.Such a certificate may further include an encrypted digital signaturethat can be used to detect unauthorized alterations of the file.

The portable sound player would only be operative to play the sound fileif the digital certificate corresponds to a unique code or certificateassociated with the portable sound player. Also the portable soundplayer would only be operative to play the sound file if the digitalsignature indicates that the sound file is authentic. Such featureswould limit playback of the file to the user's personal sound player.The sound file would be inoperative on another personal sound playingdevice that is associated with a different certificate or code. Ofcourse the same principles may be used with files that are downloaded tothe machine itself for storage in the local data store, when the filesare intended only to be played through use of the machine and nottransferred to other devices.

In alternative embodiments the machine may be operatively programmed tohave the user register with a licensing entity for the digital contentprior to dispensing digital content for the first time. During theregistration process the user would be associated with a unique licensecode or other identifier that may also be used when purchasing digitalcontent in the future. The machine may then be operative to embed thelicense code in each file that is dispensed for the user. The next timethe user wishes to purchase digital information, the machine may then beoperatively programmed to accept the input of the license code from theuser.

For example the license code may be manually input with the input device16, read from a card with the card reader device 24, downloaded from theuser's portable computing device 38, retrieved from another sourceand/or correlated with other data concerning the user. The machine wouldthen be operative to validate the license code by communicating with thelicensing entity. If the license code is valid and/or is in goodstanding, the machine would be operative to dispense additional digitalinformation with the embedded license code of the user. Such a uniquelicense code may be generated by the licensing organization, or maycorrespond to the previously described digital code or certificateassociated with the user's computing device.

These described methods of copy and/or use protection of the dispenseddigital information may be further associated with a subscriptionservice or club. For example during the previously describedregistration process the machine may prompt the user to sign up for adigital information service that for a monthly fee enables the user todispense a certain amount and/or type of digital information. Forexample the service may correspond to the dispensing of music files ordigital book text files. Each month the user would be entitled todispense a certain amount of these files from the machine for a discountclub rate fee or for no additional fee per dispense transaction.

When the user first signs up for the service, the machine may be furtheroperative to enable the user to associate payment of the service or clubfees to an account of the user for automatic debit of the monthly clubdues or dispense fees from the user's account. Such automatic paymentinformation may be acquired by reading account information from a user'scredit card or banking card with the card reader device 20 of themachine.

In an alternative example embodiment, the digital information previouslyassociated with a user may be retrieved from a processor of the digitalinformation. For example the example machine may be in operativeconnection with a photographic film processor. A consumer may forexample input with an input device 16 of the machine a processingidentification number associated with photographic film being developedand digitally scanned by the film processor. The example machine isoperative to download digital images of the consumer's developed filmfrom the processor which corresponds to the inputted processingidentification number. The machine is further operative to display theimages and enable the consumer to select one or more of the images forprinting to the printing system 64. The machine may further enable theuser to dispense the images to a physical medium and/or portablecomputing device of the consumer as previously described.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of this example alternative system 60.Here the example automated banking machine 62 includes one or moretransaction function devices 64 and a high resolution photo qualityprinter 66. The example machine 62 further includes a data store 68 thatis operative to store a plurality of images files 70. The examplemachine 62 is operative to acquire image files 71 from a plurality ofdifferent external image file sources. The image file sources forexample may include a portable storage medium 72 that is placed inoperative connection with the machine 62 by a consumer. The image filesources may further include a digital camera 74 that is placed inoperative connection with the machine 62. In addition the image filesources may include one or more film processors 76 in operativeconnection with the machine 62 through a public or private networkconnection 78. In an example embodiment the network connection mayinclude the Internet.

To use the described example automated banking machine to print imagesoriginally captured on photographic film, the consumer first forwardsthe exposed film to a film processor 76. Example film processors may forexample receive film sent through the mail by the consumer and/or mayreceive film that has been dropped off at a film processing boothlocated at a store or other convenient facility. To facilitate trackingof the film, a processing identification number may be forwarded to thefilm processor with each individual roll of film. For example, each filmbeing dropped off at a booth or being sent through the mail may beplaced in a shipping envelope or other container supplied by the filmprocessor. Each shipping envelope may include a unique processingidentification number such as a film processing number preprinted on theshipping envelope. The shipping envelope may further include a tear offreceipt that includes a matching film processing number. The filmprocessing number on the receipt may then be inputted into a machine toretrieve and print one or more of the images developed by the filmprocessor.

In alternative example embodiments, the processing identification numbermay correspond to a processing account number for a film processingaccount previously established by the consumer with the film processor.When sending in film to be developed, consumers may record theirprocessing account numbers on a shipping container for a roll of film.If a consumer has multiple rolls of film, each may be associated withthe consumer's processing account number prior to sending to the filmprocessor. The processing account number may then be inputted into anautomated banking machine to retrieve and print one or more of theimages developed by the film processor.

When film is received by the film processor 76, the film is developedand digitally scanned or otherwise processed to produce image files 82representative of the images exposed on the film. The film processor 76is further operative to store the image files 82 in a data store 80 forlater retrieval by one or more machines 62 of this described exampleembodiment. In the example embodiment, the image files 82 in the datastore 80 are associated with the previously described processingidentification numbers 88 such as a film processing number or aprocessing account number of the consumer.

The example machine 62 provides a user interface 86 through a displaydevice 84 of the machine which enables the consumer to retrieve imagefiles generated by the film processor. To facilitate the retrieval ofthe image files from the film processor 76 which correspond to theconsumer, the example machine 62 is operative to prompt the consumer toinput one or more processing identification numbers 88 which areassociated with the image files 82 stored in the data store 80 of thefilm processor 76. In one example embodiment the processingidentification numbers may be inputted though a keypad or keyboard 61 ofthe machine 62.

In alternative embodiments, the example machine 62 may include a barcode scanner 67 or other code reading device that is operative to scanand input the processing identification numbers from a processingreceipt, account processing card, label, or other medium in thepossession of the consumer. In this described example embodiment theprocessing receipts, or account processing cards may include a bar codeor other machine readable indicia which enables the scanner 67 toquickly and accurately scan and input the processing identificationnumbers into the machine. In a further alternative embodiment, theexample machine 62 may include a card reader 63 that is operative toread processing identification numbers from a magnetic stripe card or asmart card previously issued to the consumer. The example machine 62 mayfurther prompt the consumer to enter a password or personalidentification number (PIN) that is associated with the processingidentification number stored on the card.

The machine 62 is operative to contact the film processor 76 and forwardthe inputted processing identification numbers and/or PINs to theprocessor 76. In response to receiving the inputted processingidentification numbers and/or PINs, the film processor is operative tovalidate the inputted processing identification numbers and/or PINs.Validations may include for example whether an inputted processingidentification number corresponds to received rolls of film and/orwhether the inputted processing identification number matches theinputted PIN. If the inputted processing identification numbers arevalid, the film processor is operative to forward one or more imagefiles 82 to the machine 62 which correspond to the inputted processingidentification numbers. The image files 70 received by the machine 62are saved in the data store 68.

When the film processing number does not correspond to image filesstored in the data store 80 of the film processor 76 or the inputtedprocessing identification number does not match the inputted PIN, the atleast one computer of the film processor is operative to send themachine 62 a message indicative of the inputted processingidentification number being invalid. The example machine 62 may thenprompt the consumer to reenter the correct processing identificationnumber and/or PIN.

Once the image files have been received or while the image files arebeing received, the example machine 62 is operative to display with thedisplay device 84 a listing of the image files 70. In one exampleembodiment, the listing may include small thumbnail views of the imagefiles. The example machine enables the consumer to select one or more ofthe retrieved images for displaying in a larger size on the displayscreen 84. The example machine further enables the consumer toindividually select one or more retrieved images for printing by themachine with the high resolution photo quality printer 66. The examplemachine also enables the consumer to individually select one or moreimage files for saving by the machine onto a portable storage medium 72.

In addition the example machine is operative to perform a plurality ofimage processing functions on image files selected by the consumer.Example image processing functions performed by the automated bankingmachine may include cropping, red-eye removal, contrast adjustment,sharpening filters, softening filters, color adjustment, or any otherimage manipulation function which is operative to alter the displayedand/or printed appearance of an image.

The example automated banking machine is further operative to providethe consumer with a plurality of sizing and portrait or landscapeorientation options for printing one or more selected images. Sizingoptions for example may include printing a single 8×10 (inches) image ona single sheet of photo quality paper with the printer 66. Sizingoptions may further include printing four 4×5 (inches) images on asingle sheet of photo quality paper. The example four 4×5 images may beof the same image file or may be selected from up to four differentimages files. Sizing options also may include printing a plurality ofsmaller wallet size images of a single or multiple image files. Inaddition the example sizing options may include custom sizes inputted bythe consumer.

The example machine 62 may be operative to retrieve image files from aplurality of different film processors. In one example embodiment, theinputted processing identification numbers include an address portionthat is representative of the communication address of the filmprocessor. The example machine 62 is operative to contact the correctfilm processor through the network 78 responsive to the address portion.

In one example embodiment, the machine 62 includes data representativeof the communication addresses which correspond to the address portionsof the inputted processing identification numbers. Example communicationaddresses may include a network address such as a TCP/IP address of aserver of the film processor. The example communication addresses mayfurther include a phone number of a remote access server of the filmprocessor.

In a further example embodiment, rather than having the machine 62include data representative of the communication addresses of a filmprocessor, the machine may be in operative connection with a messagegateway router (MGR) 90. The MGR 90 is operative to establish acommunication link between a plurality of automated banking machines anda plurality of film processors responsive to the address portions of theinputted processing identification numbers. The example MGR 90 isoperative to forward inputted processing identification numbers andother messages from each machine to the correct film processor andreturn corresponding image files and other processing messages to thecorrect machine. An example of an MGR that may be used with the presentexample embodiment is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,245 of Mar. 21, 2000,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example embodiments may operate using the principles described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,080,036; 7,025,255; 7,162,449; and/or 7,080,036, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. The example machine 62 may include alternative configurationsbased on the speed of the connection between the machine 62 and the filmprocessor 76. For example, large high resolution image files may take aconsiderable amount of time to download from the film processor to themachine though a low speed dial up network connection. As a result, theexample embodiment may be operatively configured to initially downloadrelatively low resolution and/or highly compressed “thumbnail” versionsof the image files to the machine 62. The machine may then output thethumbnails on the display 84 of the machine 62. Only after a consumerselects a thumbnail for viewing in a larger format, for printing, or forexporting to a portable storage medium, will the machine 62 send arequest to the film processor to download a corresponding highresolution version of the image file to the machine 62.

The example machine 62 is operative to charge fees to an account of auser or accept cash from the user for the services of printing and/ordispensing the images files. Example machines 62 may enable the consumerto pay for printing and/or dispensing image files with a credit/debitcard though use of the card reader 63. Example machines may furtherenable a consumer to pay for printing and/or dispensing image files fromthe machine by inserting currency into a currency acceptor 65.

The example machine 62 is operative to allocate portions of the feesreceived from the consumer among the film processor, the servicer of themachine, and/or the operating entity which provides space, electricity,and a network/phone connection for the machine. In one exampleembodiment the allocations of fees is performed by transferring portionsof the fees to financial accounts associated with each one of the filmprocessor, servicer, and operator of the machine.

In one example embodiment the machine 62 is operative to charge theconsumer for the number of images printed or dispensed to a portablemedium. In an alternative example embodiment the machine is operative tocharge fees based on the amount of paper required to print the images.For example a single 8×10 image on a single sheet of paper may cost thesame as four 4×5 prints on a single sheet of paper. In a further exampleembodiment, the machine 62 is operative to charge a processing fee forthe development and scanning of the film and individual printing feesbased on the number of images printed or the amount of printer paperconsumed. In further alternative embodiments other methods of derivingand allocating fees for the services of printing and dispensing imagefiles from the machine 62 may be used.

In an alternative example embodiment, the example machine 62 mayretrieve image files from a portable storage medium 72, digital camera74, or other device of the consumer. The example machine may then enablethe consumer to selectively print, for a fee, individual images with theprinter 66 of the machine 62. As discussed previously, the examplemachine 62 may enable the consumer to perform imaging processingfunction on the images, and may enable the consumer to select thedesired size and orientation of the images to be printed.

In addition to printing image files, the example machine 62 may furtherenable the consumer to retrieve other printable documents from aportable storage medium 72 or other device of the consumer. Examples ofother printable documents, include word processing documents, AcrobatPDF documents, web pages, CAD files, Post Script documents, or any othertype of digital content that is capable of being printed to a printer 66of the machine 62.

In a further alternative embodiment, the machine 62 may include a camera92 securely affixed to the machine. In this described example embodimentthe machine 62 is operative to enable a consumer for a fee to takedigital photographs with the attached camera 92. The digital photos maythen be dispensed to a portable medium 72 or printed out with theprinter 66 as previously described. In one example embodiment the camera92 may be integrated into the fascia of the machine with the lenspositioned to photograph individuals or other objects standing in frontof the machine 62. In addition, the machine 62 may be operative todisplay a live image of the field of view of the camera 92 on thedisplay 84 of the machine 62. Also the machine 62 may display selectablefunctions with the user interface 86 for optically and/or digitallyzooming between wide angle and telephoto views. The machine 62 mayfurther include selectable functions with the user interface 86 foradjusting the focus, contract, shutter speed, aperture, or anyproperties of the camera 92 that affect the captured image.

In a further alternative example embodiment, the described machine 62may include an optical scanner 94 such as a flat bed scanner or a filmscanner, which is operative to generate image files from photographs,slides, and/or negatives. Consumers may use the example machine 62 togenerate image files by scanning preexisting photographs and/or filmwith the optical scanner 94 of the machine. For a fee these scanned-inimage files may be printed out with the printer 66 or dispensed to aportable medium 72 as previously described.

The computer processors in the example machines 10 and 62 operate toperform processes described herein responsive to software stored in oneor more data stores, such as data store 13, 68. The software stored indata store 13 is loaded or stored therein from one or more forms ofprogramming media. Such programming media may include any media orarticle from which computer executable instructions can be copied orread by a computer such as one or more CDs, diskettes, hard drives,tapes, flash memory or other items.

In an alternative example embodiment, an automated banking machine mayassist a user in ordering goods. For example, the automated transactionmachine can have user friendly operating instructions for makingpurchases. The machine may also provide a variety of payment options.

Some persons may be without bank cards, credit cards, or debit cards.These persons may be without credit or are uncomfortable with thetechnology involved therewith. Still other persons may prefer to carryout their transactions with cash (i.e., bills or coins).

An example embodiment enables a user to use cash as payment for theirgoods order. The automated banking machine, such as an ATM, may have acash accepting device. That is, the machine is capable of permittingcash based network (e.g., Internet) purchases. Thus, the exampleembodiment provides for a user to shop online, yet pay with cash.Furthermore, the user is not required to own a network accessiblecomputer to carry out the shopping. Additionally, the system may bearranged so that a user may or may not have a preexisting accountassociated with the particular machine. Thus, an example system maypermit walk-up online shopping to any user capable of paying cash fortheir purchase.

An automated banking machine may permit a user to browse a web site,select one or more items, and proceed to checkout. At this point theuser may insert a cash amount, corresponding to the purchase price ofthe item(s) and any additional user fee, into the machine. The machinemay operate to verify the cash amount and then forward information tothe web site to complete the purchase.

The automated banking machine may be arranged to require the user toinput cash either prior to permitting a user network access or afternetwork access, or after receipt by the machine of a particular messagesuch as after payment is requested from the web site. The machine mayprovide billing information to the web site prior to or after checkout.The machine may be programmed so that an account of an entity who is notthe consumer, such as an administrator (e.g., owner, leaser, renter, oroperator) of the machine could be charged or debited the amount of thegoods ordered. Although the administrator could use the machine, theadministrator would generally not be the user who provides the value tothe machine to pay the price or amount for the associated goods orservices.

The ordered product could be delivered to an address (e.g., physical ordigital) provided by either the user or the administrator. Of course insome embodiments the merchant may also dictate where and when theproduct may be received. For example, the machine may be located in awarehouse facility and the product is delivered to the facility forpickup.

The machine may include a printer and the user may be presented areceipt for amounts input and/or the product purchase. The receipt maybe used to pick up the product after its delivery to a location otherthan the user's address. For example, a product ordered from a Target®store may be available for pick up at a selected Target® store.Alternatively, the system may be such that the user may pick up thegoods at any Target® store.

It should be understood that the term online in this disclosure relatesto any network or combination of networks that the machine may access(directly or indirectly) to enable a user to remotely purchase goods.For example, a private network, public network (such as the Internet),virtual private network, intranet, or a local network may be consideredonline. The products and services available for purchase may be dictatedby the products and services available online. As previously discussed,the products may be in physical or digital form. The services may beintangible, such as game playing. Additionally, the services may includefor example, Internet gambling, fee based adult content sites, off-trackbetting on sports, horses, dogs, etc., lottery games, fortune telling,fee based web sites, utility payments and charitable donations.

In some embodiments the user may need to initially register with thesystem. The automated banking machine may present a series of queries toobtain one or more identifying inputs from the user so that the machinemay operate in conjunction with the host to set up an account for theuser to facilitate future use of the machine. The account may beassociated with user information, such as address or deliveryinformation. Other information associated with the account may includedemographic information. The account may be correlated through operationof one or more computers with another account of the consumer such as abank account, credit card account or line of credit. The information maybe used by the administrator of the machine to provide more ready useand quicker online set up of the machine for that particular user duringa subsequent use. For example in some embodiments a user may operate themachine to pay amounts for goods or services in a plurality of separatesessions, between which there are time periods in which other usersconduct transactions at the machine. Other uses of the information mayinclude the presentation of specific advertising targeted to thatparticular user. For example, the advertisements may be provided on adisplay screen during waiting periods.

In some embodiments an automated transaction machine may be affiliatedwith one or more online retailers. These retailers may include in theirweb interface an additional payment option at checkout. For example, thepayment option may be “automated banking machine”. This option may be inaddition to credit card, debit card or other options that may be used tomake payment from a PC. Upon selecting the “automated banking machine”payment option the user would next be required to feed the needed amountof cash into a cash or currency accepting device of the machine. Anexample cash accepting device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,408, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.The machine may include a valuation device in operative connection withthe cash accepting device that operates in conjunction with the computerto check the amount provided to the machine against the needed amount.The validation device may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,923,413, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. After making a comparison of the amount fed into themachine is at least as great as the associated price, the machine couldnotify the merchant that the purchase should proceed. This may be donefor example by sending one or more messages, such as a confirmationmessage to the merchant through a network. Of course, at other stages ofthe purchasing process, the machine itself could present the useradditional choices of payment. For example, at the stage of checkout themachine may offer the user a lower purchasing price if the user electsto pay by credit card or debit card instead of cash, or vice versa.

Additionally, a customer using a computer not associated with anautomated transaction machine may be able to reach the checkout paymentoptions at a retailer's web site. The programming associated with theserver operating the merchant site may be such that the “automatedbanking machine” payment option (or another distinct option) may belayered to permit the customer to save the order information to enablelater payment at an automated transaction machine. For example thecustomer may be given a code or password that is associated with andwhich enables the machine to operate to retrieve the previous orderinformation. A user of the machine may then quickly contact the website, insert the necessary code, and complete the payment. The machineoperates to cause the amount paid by the user to be allocated towardspayment for the ordered goods. This may include in some embodiments, themerchant receiving payment through the machine operating to cause themerchant to be provided with an account of the administrator, theadministrator being charged for the order, and the administratorretaining the cash deposited in the machine. Alternatively or inaddition such allocation may include the machine causing an electronictransfer of funds from the administrator to the merchant to pay for theorder. Of course various approaches may be used to allocate the cash theuser provides to the machine to the payment required to be madecorresponding to the order. The described example arrangement may reducethe time necessary to make a purchase because the customers wouldalready have a general or exact idea of how much their purchase willcost. Thus, the user could hold a sufficient amount of cash before usingthe machine. The arrangement also permits a customer to place apreliminary order and save the order information when a cash acceptingautomated banking machine is not immediately available to the consumer.Alternatively the machine may also be programmed to receive a customer'scode or other identifying data, contact the vendor (either online oroffline), and (after receiving the user's cash) complete or consummatethe order without the user having to again navigate through theretailer's entire web site or other order interface.

In example embodiments an administrator of the automated banking machinemay be required to oversee payment to the merchant (or web site) for thecost of the ordered goods. The administrator may have an account billedfor later payment. For example, the administrator may receive anitemized periodic bill from a particular merchant relating to onlinepurchases paid for via the machine. Other payment options may includethe immediate transfer of funds from an account of the administrator ora third party on behalf of the administrator, to an account of themerchant. Alternatively the administrator may have an open runningaccount with an affiliated merchant. In other embodiments third partiesmay serve as a clearing house between merchants, machine operators orother entities who receive cash or other value allocated to orders.

In some embodiments an administrator may receive revenue from feescharged to the online retailer (which may be similar to credit cardfees), from advertising, and/or from user fees. The administrator mayalso receive a certain percentage of the purchase price of the goodsfrom the retailer for enabling the user to purchase from that retailer.Furthermore, the retailer may pay access fees (e.g., IP, DSL) to theadministrator for the network access time. Of course other revenue maybe generated based on other arrangements with retailer or web sites,such as providing links to related web sites which may be of interest toparticular users.

Other revenue generating arrangements may also be implemented in someembodiments. For example, the user may be required to pay a cash userfee for an initial time period during which services are provided. Thetime period, which may be extendable by additional payment, could permitthe user to browse the Internet or a selected online collection of websites or in an online catalog as desired while compensating theadministrator for the network access. The user fee may also be of suchan amount that it would enable the administrator to recoup costsassociated with permitting the user to use the machine without making apurchase. The user fee could be refunded (or credited) toward the costof purchased goods or services if the user actually makes an onlinepurchase.

In some embodiments the automated banking machine may be operativelyprogrammed to calculate a price associated with an order. This mayinclude for example the computer being operative to cause thecalculation either at the machine and/or at a host, of a price which isa function of an amount required to be paid to the merchant plus addedfees. These fees may include for example, service charges, accesscharges, taxes or other amounts that the consumer is required to payrelated to the purchase. The computer may then operate to cause theorder to be entered or confirmed by sending one or more messages throughthe appropriate network.

In some embodiments the automated banking machine may be operated toaccept multiple payments from a user during separate transactionsessions. For example, the machine may be programmed to accept multiplepayments from a user toward a particular order. This may include theuser making weekly payments for example toward an order. This mayinclude for example, advance payment for utility services, payment ofrental charges or other fees, or the user paying so much periodicallytoward particular goods or services. In some embodiments the orders maybe associated with a standing arrangement between a user and a providerof goods or services and an order placed through the machine mayidentify that arrangement rather than initiate it. In some embodimentsthe user may have a pre-established account which may be associated withthe user or their transactions and which may be used in operation of themachine and system to allocate the user's payments to the particularorder. The account may be associated with a card, a code or biometricfeature for example. In some embodiments the machine may be operative toopen an account for the user by the user providing one or moreidentifying inputs through one or more input devices of the machine. Themachine may operate to cause the value of cash or other items input bythe user to the machine to be credited to the account. The machine mayoperate to cause appropriate electronic records to be produced and/or toprovide the user with appropriate statements such as by printingreceipts indicating full or partial payments made, or other statusinformation. In some embodiments an account may be debited through thesystem either for the full amount or for partial amounts responsive todeliveries of goods, services or use. In some embodiments the machinemay be further operative to cause the user account to be closed afterthe order has been transmitted and the amount therein debited. Of coursevarious approaches may be used based on the nature of the transaction,goods or services ordered.

In some embodiments a delivery address for the items associated with theorder may be input by the user at the automated banking machine or inadvance by the PC. Alternatively the machine may be programmed toprovide the address specified by the administrator. This may be forexample a location where the consumer may take delivery of itemsordered.

In some embodiments cash equivalent payments may be accepted by theautomated banking machine. For example, the machine may include a moneyorder or check verification system. Thus, the machine could accept acheck or money order in lieu of cash. The machine could then credit theuser an amount equivalent to a cash payment. Further the machine may beoperative to dispense to the user any change representing the excess ofvalue input above the price for a given order. For example the machinemay include features described in allowed U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,983, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Furthermore, in some embodiments the machine may be arranged to acceptcombinations of different types of payment. The machine could accept apartial credit card payment and a partial cash payment for the samepurchase. For example, a user may desire to purchase goods with a creditcard that is near its credit limit. The user could select to the pay aspecific amount with the credit card and the remainder with cash. Thus,another payment option would be related to a “combination payment”. Thismay be desirable for example when the user desires to charge part of theitems purchased to a card used for business and wishes to pay cash forpersonal items.

As discussed herein, the apparatus and method of an example embodimentpermits use of a cash accepting automated banking machine to make anInternet or other online purchase. The user of the machine pays themachine cash for the goods purchased. The machine's administrator isresponsible for the payment to the merchant. Thus, the machine may actas an intermediary in allowing a consumer to purchase online goods froma seller. It should be understood that a user with a bank or credit cardaccount may also have access to all of the previously discussed featuresassociated with the machine, such as paying for orders via credit ordebit card account. In some embodiments the machine may be operative tocarry out cash dispensing transactions in which the value of cashdispensed is assessed to the user's account. Furthermore, the machinemay be a cash recycling machine such as described in incorporated U.S.Pat. No. 6,520,408. This enables the machine to dispense cash previouslyreceived as payment for online purchases to users of the machine makingcash withdrawals. It should also be understood that the term “goods” maybe applied in the singular or plural. For example, a “goods” mayconstitute only a single item or a plurality of items.

FIG. 5 shows a view of an example system arrangement permitting cashpayment for goods or services purchased online. A plurality of automatedbanking machines 110, such as ATMs, are shown connected to a computersystem 112 of a home host, such as a home bank or merchant. Home hostcomputer system 112 is operated by the bank or other entity which hasprimary responsibility for the machines 110. A machine 110 may include acash acceptor device and other components and features as previouslydiscussed. Certain example machine transaction function devices and theoperation thereof is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,413, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Machine host computer system 112 is shown connected to the machines 110through a network 114. The network 114 may be a local or proprietarynetwork that may provide communication between the computer system 112and the machines 110 using messages in the transmission controlprotocol/internet protocol (“TCPIIP”) format. The messages that arecommunicated through the network 114 may include TCPIIP messages andhypertext markup language (“HTML”) or other markup language documents.

Home computer system 112 is also connectable as shown to a wide areanetwork 116. In some embodiments the wide area network 116 may includethe Internet. In other embodiments, other wide area networks may beused. The wide area network preferably communicates messages in TCPIIPbetween numerous computer systems connected to the wide area network.Thus, a particular automated banking machine may be operable to access aplurality of web sites 118, 120, 122, 124, and 126 associated with thenetwork.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an example display of payment optionspresented to a user by a web site offering online purchases that can bepaid for with cash that is received by an automated banking machine. Thepayment options may correspond to, be represented by or be associatedwith buttons or icons on the machine's display screen. The paymentbuttons may for example correspond to credit card (130), debit card(132), and automated banking machine (134). The machine may include atouch screen device to permit user payment selection by touching one ofthe payment buttons or icons. A user selecting the automated bankingmachine payment button (134) may additionally be asked (responsiveeither the merchant web site or responsive to programming of themachine), such as through the display, whether the machine payment is bycash (136), credit card (130), debit card (132), money order (138), orcheck (140). Responsive to the payment selected, the machine wouldoperate the pertinent devices to cause the machine to receive theindicated payment in the selected manner. For example, responsive to acheck payment option being indicated, the machine would prepare toreceive the check and operate to make a determination if the check is tobe accepted. If a cash payment option is selected then the machine wouldprepare the cash acceptor device to receive the currency.

FIGS. 7A-E show schematically an example sequence outline of steps thatmay occur during the process of purchasing goods from a merchant at aweb site with use of an automated banking machine.

It should be understood that in some embodiments an automatedtransaction machine may be a standalone machine directly connected to anetwork such as the Internet without using an intranet. Various forms ofcommunications devices and network connections may be used, includingthose involving wireless or satellite usage. Additionally, a machine maybe configured for ease of modification to use the latest technologyrelating to faster connection and download times. Some existingautomated banking machines may be upgraded through the installation ofcomputer software to enable processing of a user's order for goods orservices as discussed herein. Furthermore, an automated transactionmachine may be customized through programming by an administrator, suchas a retailer or merchant, to limit or control browsing to specific websites or other remote access. These specific web sites may pay a fee tothe administrator of the machine in exchange for their accessibility.

Embodiments may find applicability to numerous types of situations andmay be used to facilitate the tracking of transactions in theentertainment, education, gaming, investment, merchandising and bankingindustries.

Alternative embodiments may provide for facilitating the delivery ofgoods or services within an establishment. For example in establishmentswhere patrons commonly encounter waiting time, embodiments may be usedto speed delivery of goods or services. For example in popularrestaurants during busy periods, patrons may be required to wait asubstantial time to be seated at a table. Subsequently once the patronsare seated they then must place their order and wait a further period toreceive their food. Such waiting time may be reduced by providing arestaurant web site which includes menu items and enables patrons toplace their orders online through an automated banking machine. Thepatrons can also pay for their food order at the machine via debit card,credit card, cash, check or other payment method. Variable items such asgratuities may be waived for online payment or a standard gratuitycharge may be added.

In an example embodiment, in response to placing their order onlinethrough the web site, the user receives an indicator such as a receiptidentifying their order and the fact that it has been paid for. Theindicator may be in the form of a traditional paper receipt with anumerical or other indicator or indicia that identifies the order.Alternatively the indicator may include additional information such asall the items that have been ordered by the patron. The restaurant's website in the example embodiment is connected to a system in the kitchenso that the patron's order can be started at the appropriate time. Acomputer system in operative connection with the web site may alsoreceive inputs through manual input devices or other devices to monitorthe seating of patrons in the restaurant so that the patron's order isnot started too early. As a result in the example embodiment thepatron's order is generally ready to be delivered tableside atapproximately when the patron is first seated at their table. Thisspeeds the flow of patrons through the restaurant enabling more peopleto be served in a timely manner. In the example embodiment if the patronwishes to order additional items such as beverages, desserts or otherthings that were not included with the original online order, a separatecheck may be provided and paid for in the traditional manner.

In further alternative embodiments the restaurant web site may beaccessible through the Internet by PCs, cell phones or other devices.This enables patrons to place orders for items online from their home oroffice. Patrons can also pay for such items via credit or debit card orother option that enables payment through a computing device which doesnot accept cash. In some embodiments the web site may further enable auser to indicate when they expect to arrive at the restaurant. In thisway the user may schedule their arrival at the restaurant at a time whentheir order is about ready to be served. Alternatively or in additionthe web site interface may be configured to advise the user of theearliest time that the order could be delivered based on the currentnumber of patrons at the facility. In this way the patrons can placetheir order and plan to arrive at the restaurant at approximately thetime when the order is ready to be served. As can be appreciated in someembodiments the restaurant web site may be combined with the reservationsystem enabling patrons to remotely make reservations and place ordersseveral days in advance. In addition in an example embodiment becausethe restaurant has already received payment for the items ordered, theprobabilities of a patron not arriving at the restaurant to receivetheir order is reduced.

Some embodiments may provide considerable detail to the web siteconcerning specials, recommendations and other information that may behelpful to prospective patrons. Information as may normally be providedby a waiter or waitress concerning food items may likewise be posted onthe web site. Further, the ability to take reservations and ordersonline may facilitate planning by the establishment for demands for fooditems and reduce the risk that the restaurant will run out of specialsor other items that are popular with patrons. Further, exampleembodiments may provide incentives for advance payment and/or paymentwith cash at the automated banking machine.

It should be understood that while the example embodiment discussedabove concerns a food service establishment, the principles discussedcan be applied to other types of establishments. Such establishments mayinclude those where the amount of waiting time encountered by a user maybe significant depending on the number of patrons at the facility.Embodiments may also find particular applicability in environments wherethe goods or services delivered must be customized, configured orassembled together in groups or sets to suit the needs or requirementsof the particular user.

In some alternative embodiments the principles of example embodimentsmay be applied to a system and method in which an automated bankingmachine is operated to deliver non-currency certificates that areredeemable for goods or services. In some example embodiments this mayinclude for example certificates that are redeemable for goods orservices at the option of the bearer of the certificate, from aplurality of merchants located in a particular shopping area such as amall. Further in some example embodiments the certificates may comprisegift certificates of a type that may be provided by a purchaser of thecertificate to another person. That person may then use the certificateto acquire goods or services as the recipient desires from theaffiliated merchants.

In an example embodiment an automated banking machine and connectedsystems and networks of the type previously described may be used. Insome embodiments the cash dispenser or one or more modular dispensercomponents of a media dispenser in an automated banking machine may beloaded with gift certificates that have been preprinted and which have agiven redeemable face value. For example the machine may be located in amall and the gift certificates may be printed so as to indicate that thecertificates are redeemable by the merchants that are located in themall for the goods or services such merchants provide. In someembodiments the machine may operate to conduct transactions in whichcash is dispensed as well as to dispense one or more gift certificatesat the option of the consumer operating the machine. In alternativeembodiments the machine may include a printer device and certificatestock material which may be paper, cardboard or other suitable material.In such embodiments the computer in the machine may be programmed so asto enable the printing of gift certificates on demand within the machineand to dispense certificates to a user. In such embodiments one or moreprinters located within the machine may operate to print the associatedvalue on the certificate stock and/or to otherwise print or applyindicia so as to create a valid and/or redeemable certificate prior tothe dispense thereof by the machine. Of course in some embodimentscertificates may be printed outside the machine, loaded into storageareas in the machine and dispensed in the course of transactions.

In operation a user operating the machine may provide appropriateinstructions and identifying inputs to the machine so as to identify theuser and/or an associated financial account. The user may also provideinputs to select a transaction including dispensing gift certificates.The machine then operates in accordance with its programming to causethe appropriate gift certificates to be dispensed and to cause theuser's account to be assessed the associated charge. Further the machinemay operate in accordance with its programming to cause the associatedcharge allocated to the user's purchase of the gift certificates to becredited to the account of an entity such as the administrator which maybe the mall operator who bears responsibility for reimbursing merchantswho redeem the certificates. Such an account is alternatively referredto herein as an accrued value account. This may be done for example bysending appropriate messages from the machine through the network so asto cause the transfer of the funds debited from the consumer's accountto the mall operator.

In some alternative embodiments in which the automated banking machineincludes a cash accepting device, the machine may be programmed so as tooperate to accept cash in payment for gift certificates. In suchembodiments the user may provide appropriate inputs so as to indicatethat they are electing a cash payment option. Thereafter the machineoperates in accordance with its programming to enable operation of acash accepting device and an associated valuation device to determine avalue associated with the cash input by the user. In response to theacceptance of such cash value, the machine is operative to dispense theappropriate value of certificates.

Still other embodiments may apply the principles previously discussed inwhich a person wishing to obtain gift certificates may specify theirorder at a remote PC or other connected terminal. Thereafter the personelecting to purchase the gift certificates may utilize a code or otheridentifying input used in connection with the initial process to operatethe automated banking machine so as to recover the data related thereto.Thereafter the user of the banking machine may utilize a suitable formof monetary value payment to input to the machine such as a credit card,debit card or cash for purposes of paying for gift certificates. Uponpayment of the appropriate monetary value, the gift certificates arethen dispensed.

In some alternative embodiments, apparatus and systems may be operatedso as to enable providing such certificates without the physicaldelivery of the gift certificates to the purchaser thereof. This mayinclude, for example, a person wishing to give the gift certificatespurchased to a third party. In some embodiments this may includepurchasing such certificates remotely from a PC or other connecteddevice via an Internet connection. This may include the purchaser of thecertificates making payment via credit card, debit card or other noncashpayment method. In exchange for making payment, the person purchasingthe certificates may be provided with a code or other identifyingindicator which corresponds to such purchaser's rights to obtain suchgift certificates. Thereafter the purchaser of the gift certificates maytransfer the code or other identifying indicator to the individual whothe purchaser intends to receive the particular certificates. Such anindividual may thereafter go to the machine located in the shopping areaand by providing appropriate inputs, including the identifyingindicator, receive from the automated banking machine the dispense ofthe gift certificates corresponding to the amount paid for them by theperson who originally purchased them. Of course as can be appreciatedthe code or other identifying indicators associated with such giftcertificates may be provided in various forms and delivered in variousmanners to the intended recipient. This may include for example variousphysical and/or electronic forms of the identifying information.

In some examples the merchant web site for ordering such giftcertificates may include the capability to automatically dispatch agreeting card to the intended recipient, which greeting card may includethe authorization code or other indicia. Such a greeting card may be asuitable hard copy greeting card sent by mail, and may include in someembodiments features selected by the person making the gift certificatepurchase during the online session in which the gift certificates arepurchased. In alternative embodiments such codes may be included in anelectronic greeting card or other suitable delivery form for an intendedrecipient. Of course these approaches are examples and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

When a recipient obtains the gift certificates they can then be used asthe recipient desires in accordance with the applicable terms thereof byredeeming the certificates for goods or services provided by one of theaffiliated merchants. The affiliated merchants then provide the redeemedcertificates or other suitable information related thereto to the malloperator or other administrator entity who is responsible forreimbursement of the merchants who are redeeming the certificates.Reimbursement is thereafter made by the mall operator or other entity inan amount that represents at least a portion of the face value of thegift certificates. As can be appreciated in some embodiments and methodsretailers may be reimbursed at a discount from face value of thecertificates so as to cover the cost associated with providing thecertificates as well as the automated banking machine used forself-service dispensing of certificates and/or associated onlinepurchase capabilities. In the alternative or in addition purchasers ofsuch gift certificates may be assessed a service fee associated with thepurchase. It should be understood that such approaches are examples andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other embodiments, an automated banking machine such as an ATMmay be used in connection with gaming establishments and systems whichare operatively connected to gaming machines. Such an example system isindicated 150 in FIG. 8. In this example embodiment, an automatedbanking machine 152 is located in a gaming establishment schematicallyrepresented 154. Located within the gaming establishment are a pluralityof gaming machines schematically represented 156. In exampleembodiments, the gaming machines may comprise slot machines, electronicpoker machines and other types of machines at which users can play oneor more games in exchange for value. In addition in an exampleembodiment, the machines are of a type at which a user can win the gameand receive monetary value or other rewards as a consequence of winning.The example gaming machines operate to carry out games for a user. Gameshave outcomes which can result in the user winning (in which case theuser receives value) or losing (in which case the user loses value). Ofcourse some gaming machines may provide numerous types of outcomes.

As schematically represented in FIG. 8, the automated banking machine152 and the gaming machines 156 are operative connection through anaccrued value processing network schematically indicated 158. Theaccrued value processing network may comprise a local area network thatprovides suitable communication within the facility between the gamingmachines, the automated banking machine and one or more computers orservers indicated 160. As schematically represented, at least one server160 includes therein one or more data stores which are schematicallyrepresented 162. It should be understood, however, that the examplearrangement is but one of many that may be implemented for purposes ofenabling communications between one or more automated banking machines,gaming machines and servers within gaming establishments. It should alsobe understood that although a local area network limited to the gamingestablishment is shown, other embodiments may include networks havingcommunications throughout a wider area, such as between multiple gamingestablishments having the same ownership, management company or arelationship that facilitates gaming activities of patrons who may wishto be able to engage in gaming activity within a plurality of variousgaming establishments.

As also represented in the example embodiment, the automated bankingmachine 152 is in operative connection with a banking network 164. Thebanking network may comprise one or more of the types of networkspreviously discussed that enable the automated banking machine toconduct financial transactions with remote accounts such as checkingaccounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts or other accounts fromor to which a user operating the automated banking machine may transfervalue. As schematically represented in FIG. 8, the banking network is inoperative connection with multiple host banks 166, 168 and the computerstherein, which enable the carrying out and tracking of their customers'financial transactions. Of course it should be understood that thisschematic configuration is merely an example, and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used. Further, in example embodiments systemsmay carry out communications between the automated banking machine andlocal or remote computers in a manner like that shown in U.S. Pat. No.7,003,492, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIG. 9 schematically represents components included in an exampleautomated banking machine 152. It should be understood that the examplemachine may include one or more structures, features, housings andcomponents of the type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,983,879; 6,997,375;and/or 6,981,638, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety. Of course these machine structures andfeatures are merely examples of those that may be used.

As shown in FIG. 9, machine 152 includes in supporting connection withits housing a plurality of transaction function devices. The transactionfunction devices in this example embodiment include a card reader 170.Card reader 170 may be of a type suitable for reading magnetic stripecards, smart cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) cards, orother type cards (or other devices such as a portable phone that candeliver data of a type that can be read from a card), that includereadable data thereon that can be read and used to identify a userand/or the user's financial account. In an example embodiment, machine152 includes a card reader that is operative to read data from creditand/or debit cards. The example machine includes a keypad 172 whichincludes a plurality of keys that can be manually actuated by a user toprovide inputs to the machine. Although schematically the keypad 172 isshown as a single item, embodiments may include a plurality of keys suchas function keys for providing manual inputs, as well as a keypad. Inaddition or in the alternative, embodiments may also include a touchscreen or similar input device that carries out the functions of akeypad or other manual input device.

The example machine 152 includes at least one printer schematicallyrepresented 174. In the example machine, the printer 174 is operative toprint items such as transaction receipts. In addition in the exampleembodiment, the printer 174 is operative as later discussed to printitems such as gaming tickets that include machine readable indiciathereon, such as a bar code. In alternative embodiments the machine mayinclude a plurality of separate printers rather than a single printerfor performing these functions. This may include, for example, aseparate printing device for receipts related to transactions conductedand a separate mechanism in connection with the machine for printingitems such as gaming tickets. In still other alternative embodiments themachine may include additional printers. This may include, for example,an internal journal printer for printing a record related totransactions at the machine.

The example embodiment includes a bill dispensing device schematicallyrepresented 176. The bill dispenser 176 is selectively operative todispense currency bills from the machine. The bill dispenser in someembodiments may include features of U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,832, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.In the example embodiment, the bill dispenser is operative toselectively dispense several denominations of bills as may be desirablefor dispensing to machine users the amount of money as may be requestedby a user or as may be associated with an accrued value accountassociated with a user's gaming ticket. It should be understood that insome embodiments the bill dispenser may include features of billdispensers or bill recycling units of the type described in otherdisclosures that are incorporated herein.

Example automated banking machine 152 also includes a coin dispenser178. Coin dispenser 178 is selectively operative to dispense coin invarious denominations to users of the machine. In some exampleembodiments, the machine is operative to dispense coins so that an exactamount is delivered to a user as separate coins. This enables themachine to provide to a user change in exact amounts down to the pennyin some embodiments. Alternatively, some embodiments may operate toround the amount delivered in coin to a user to a most convenient coinsize, such as the nearest nickel or dime amount. Some embodiments mayalso include coin dispensers that are operative to provide large numbersof coins to users. This may be done through the same or a separate coindispenser. In still other embodiments, coin dispensers may operate todeliver rolled coins to users. This may be desirable in some embodimentswhere the automated banking machine is located in gaming establishmentsthat have gaming machines that accept coins such as quarters. Machineusers in such establishments may find it desirable to obtain significantnumbers of the particular type of coin that can be accepted by thegaming machines. Alternatively or in addition, some embodiments may beoperative to dispense tokens which may have some characteristics ofcoins, such as a round shape, which can be used in gaming machines ofthe particular establishment. Of course, these approaches are examples.

The example automated banking machine 152 includes a code reading device180. Code reading device 180 of an example embodiment includes a barcode reading device. The bar code reading device may operate to readsingle or multidimensional bar codes on items presented to the machine.In an example embodiment the code reading device is operative to readmachine readable indicia in the form of bar code that is included ongaming tickets that are accepted by and produced by gaming machineswithin the establishment. In alternative embodiments, other types ofcode reading devices may be used as may be desirable for the particulartype of activity which occurs in the establishment where the machine isused. This may include, for example, a code reading device that isoperative to read RF back scatter devices or RFID tags. In someembodiments such devices may be used to provide the machine readableindicia used to track particular gaming items and their value. In otherembodiments, other types of tokens, items, or devices which includeunique identifying information may be used to track activity and beassociated with an accrued value account. The automated banking machinemay include one or more code readers of a type suitable for reading anyof such items as may be required for its operation.

In the example embodiment the automated banking machine includes adisplay 182. Display 182 of the example embodiment comprises a visualdisplay which includes a CRT or LCD screen which is operative to providevisual outputs to users of the machine. The display may be used toprovide machine users with instructions for operating the machine.Alternatively or in addition, the display may be used for other purposessuch as providing promotional advertising, public service announcements,gaming information such as odds or instructions how to make bets,directions to areas within the facility such as the cashier's cage, orother information. It should be understood that in some embodiments thedisplay 182 may include a touch-screen function such that the displaymay serve as both an output and an input device for the machine. Ofcourse embodiments may include other devices as well. These may include,for example, speakers, headphone jacks, wireless output devices, cellphone calling devices or other devices suitable for communicating withusers of the machine.

The example automated banking machine also includes, in supportingconnection with the housing, a cash acceptor 184. Cash acceptor 184 maybe of a type that is operative to accept currency bills from users ofthe machine. This may include, for example, devices of the type shown inU.S. Pat. No. 6,983,880, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. Also, as previously discussed, cashacceptors may include devices of a bill recycling type that accept andvalidate bills and can also dispense bills to users of the machine. Instill other embodiments the automated banking machine may include cashacceptors that accept coin or items of value such as tokens. Such cashacceptors may be useful when the machine is used in an establishmentwhere coins or tokens are used to operate gaming machines or otherdevices. Such features may also be particularly useful where gamingmachines pay winnings in coin or tokens which a user may find cumbersometo carry on their person. Of course these approaches are examples, andin other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The example automated banking machine also may include a documentaccepting device for accepting other types of documents in the machine.This may include, for example, a check accepting device schematicallyrepresented 186. The check acceptor 186 may be of a type described inthe disclosures previously incorporated herein. Alternatively, thedevice may be of a type described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/324,835 filed Jan. 3, 2006, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/370,525 filed Mar. 8, 2006, the disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Check acceptor 186may be operative to read indicia included on checks or other documents.The check acceptor 186 may also be operative to produce image datacorresponding to the particular documents. Further, in some embodimentsthe function of the code reading device 180 and the document acceptingdevice 186 may be combined in a single device. For example, in someembodiments a device in the automated banking machine may be suitablefor accepting gaming tickets and reading the machine readable indiciathereon, as well as reading and analyzing the indicia included onchecks. The devices of the incorporated disclosures may be suitable forthese purposes in some embodiments. Of course these approaches areexamples, and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Example embodiments may also incorporate in the automated bankingmachine 152 other devices. Such devices may include, for example, abiometric reading or sensing device schematically represented 188. Thebiometric reading device 188 may in some embodiments include a devicefor reading biometric features of users. This may include, for example,fingerprint readers, iris scanners, voice analysis devices or otherdevices which can receive and analyze features to identify a particularuser. In still other embodiments the biometric reader 188 may include animaging device such as a camera which operates in conjunction withfacial recognition software or other software that can identify a userby appearance features. Of course these devices are examples of deviceswhich may be used in connection with the machine 152 to sense andidentify features that are associated with a particular user.

The transaction function devices of the example automated bankingmachine are in operative connection with one or more processorsschematically indicated 190. Processor 190 is in operative connectionwith one or more data stores 192. The processor 190 is operative toexecute instructions which are stored in one or more data stores tocause the machine to carry out transactions. The instructions which areexecuted by the processor may be resident in the machine or stored onmedia of types suitable for bearing computer executable instructions.These may include, for example, disk drives, solid state memory, memorycards, CDs, DVDs, flash memory, or other types of suitable magnetic,optical, or other storage media upon which computer executableinstructions may be stored.

The at least one processor is in operative connection with at least onecommunications device schematically represented 194. The communicationsdevice can be one or more of the types previously discussed that enablethe automated banking machine 152 to communicate with other computers.In the example embodiment the automated banking machine 152 communicatesin the accrued value processing network 158 as well as with the bankingnetwork 164. Of course other embodiments may communicate in other ordifferent networks and with other or different entities of the typespreviously discussed herein.

It should be understood that the automated banking machine 152 is anexample embodiment. Other embodiments may include other, different orlesser numbers of devices. Other embodiments may also performadditional, different or lesser numbers of functions than the exampleembodiment. In addition, as previously discussed, in some embodimentscertain functions performed by the example embodiment may be combinedsuch that a single device may perform functions of a plurality of thedescribed devices. Likewise, in other embodiments a plurality of devicesmay be used to perform functions described as being performed by asingle device. The nature of the machine used will depend on theparticular circumstances in which it is operated.

In some example embodiments, the machine 152 may be operated bycustomers to perform banking transactions. A user initiates a bankingtransaction by inserting a card which includes indicia thereon that isread by the card reader. The indicia on the card includes data whichcorresponds to the user and/or one or more of the user's account orother data that can be used to enable a user to carry out a transaction.In some transactions the user may also be required to input anotheridentifying input such as a personal identification number (PIN) throughthe keypad. Alternatively or in addition, the user may input a biometricinput through a biometric reader 188. The nature of the input providedby the user may depend on the type of transaction and/or network inwhich the machine is operated.

The user in conducting a banking transaction will respond toinstructions provided by the machine through its display or other outputdevice to indicate the type of transaction that the user wishes toconduct at the machine. These transactions may include, for example,receiving cash from a particular account, making a deposit to aparticular account, or making an inquiry as to the balance that the userhas in a particular account. In an example embodiment, othertransactions may also be selectable by a user. These may include, forexample, inputting a check through operation of the check acceptor 186.Checks may be accepted for purposes of withdrawal or cashing a check.Alternatively, an example transactions may include depositing cashthrough the cash acceptor to the user's account. Alternatively,transactions may include changing denominations of bills or coins forother types of currencies. In some embodiments transactions may alsoinclude receiving or redeeming gaming tickets or other items thatinclude machine readable indicia. The transactions available depend onthe programming associated with the one or more processors 190, as wellas the system in which the automated banking machine is used.

In situations where the requested transaction involves an account of theuser that is accessible through the banking network 164, the at leastone processor in the automated banking machine is operative to cause themachine to communicate through the appropriate communications device 194and the banking network 164 with a user's account. This is schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 10 by communication of the machine 152 with a hostbank 166.

If the transaction that the user is seeking to conduct involves awithdrawal from a user's account, one or more computers operative withthe host bank 166 determines if the user is authorized to conduct therequested transaction and communicates responsive information throughthe banking network 164 to the automated banking machine. Likewise, ifthe user at the machine is requesting to deposit funds into an account,the host banking system determines if this is authorized and returns aresponse indicating its determination. Similar functions are carried outresponsive to other types of transactions that may be conducted withregard to the user's account, such as a balance inquiry, check cashingor other functions that are available at the machine. It should beunderstood that the reference to an account being held by a host bank ismerely examples. For purposes of this disclosure, a host bank mayinclude any entity which is operative to authorize financialtransactions from an account associated with a user.

Responsive to the communications with the host bank 166, the automatedbanking machine is then operative to perform in accordance with theresponsive instructions from the host bank. For example, if the user hasrequested to withdraw funds from an account and the transaction isauthorized, the machine will then perform in a manner to complete therequested transaction. For example, if a user has requested atransaction which includes the dispense of cash, based on the withdrawalthe at least one processor 190 will operate to cause the bill dispenser176 and/or coin dispenser 178 to operate to dispense the desired amountof cash from the machine. Of course as previously discussed, in someembodiments the user may provide instructions so as to designate thedenominations of bills or coin that they wish to receive. Likewise, ifthe user has requested to conduct a transaction including a deposit, themachine operates to receive the deposit in the form of cash, check orother item that the machine may receive from the user. It should beunderstood that in some embodiments the machine may be operative tovalidate the authenticity of deposited items such as with a currencyacceptor, check acceptor or other analysis device. In other embodimentsthe user may provide inputs so as to indicate the nature of the depositwithout machine verification thereof. This may include, for example,deposits made to the machine through deposit envelopes.

Likewise, the example embodiment may enable the carrying out of checkaccepting or check cashing transactions through operation of the checkacceptor 186. This may be accomplished by the automated banking machinein ways similar to those described in the incorporated disclosures.Further, in some embodiments the machine may operate to accept cashequivalents such as chips or gaming tokens used in the establishment,and enable the user to deposit the value thereof directly in theiraccounts that are accessible through the banking network. Of coursethese transactions are examples of those that may be conducted invarious embodiments.

When the automated banking machine has carried out the transaction asrequested by the user, the machine in some embodiments will communicatethrough the banking network 164 to the appropriate host bank 166information indicative that the transaction was carried out. Thisenables the computer associated with the host bank 166 to debit orcredit the user's account according to the transaction.

Example automated banking machine 152 may also be operated in accordancewith its programming to communicate in the accrued value processingnetwork 158, which is connected to server 160 and other devices withinthe gaming establishment. This enables the example machine to be used tofacilitate the gaming activities that are carried out in theestablishment in which the machine is located or in a related orseparate gaming establishment which is operatively connected to theaccrued value processing network to which the machine is operativelyconnected.

In an example embodiment, the automated banking machine is operated inan establishment that includes gaming machines 156. The gaming machinesoperate in response to items such as gaming tickets that include machinereadable indicia. The gaming machines of the example embodiment are alsooperative upon completion of game playing activity to produce an itemincluding machine readable indicia that indicates a value which a userhas as a result of the gaming activity. This may include, in an exampleembodiment, gaming tickets which include bar code which identifies theparticular ticket and/or the value associated therewith.

In the example embodiment, the one or more servers 160 connected in theaccrued value processing network are operative to track the gamingtickets using the machine readable indicia corresponding to one or morecodes as well as the monetary value associated therewith. Because in theexample embodiment the server 160 is in operative connection with eachof the gaming machines, data records corresponding to accrued valueaccounts may be stored in one or more data stores 162. Each of theaccrued value accounts may be associated with the machine readableindicia associated with each gaming ticket. Each of the accrued valueaccounts may also have associated therewith the monetary value whichcorresponds to the gaming ticket and its machine readable indicia.

Further, in an example embodiment, the at least one server 160 isoperative to track and maintain records of the accrued value accounts,including the depletion of such accounts when a gaming ticket isdeposited in a gaming machine for purposes of playing the game that iscarried out by that gaming machine. Thereafter in an example embodiment,once the one or more games has been played and the value that a user hadassociated with his original gaming ticket is reduced due to losses orincreased due to winnings, the at least one gaming machine is operativeto produce a new gaming ticket including machine readable indicia thatcorresponds to the value associated therewith. Communication between thegaming machine and the at least one server 160 is operative to cause theserver to establish at least one data record associated with an accruedvalue account that corresponds to machine readable indicia on the gamingticket produced by the gaming machine, and the value thereof. Of coursethis approach is an example, and in other embodiments other approachesmay be used.

An example alternative approach may use different types of tokens oritems instead of disposable items such as gaming tickets. Such items mayinclude cards with RFID identifiers, smart cards including processorchips, pendants including machine readable identifiers, or other itemswhich have machine readable indicia and which may remain generally inthe possession of the user as the user is involved in gaming activities.In some embodiments, the gaming machines may be operative to change datastored as machine readable data on the particular item, responsive tothe user's winnings and losses at various gaming machines. Each of thegaming machines may include devices for reading such items andreprogramming the items with data accordingly. In such systems,communication between the gaming machine and the at least one server 160in the accrued value processing network is operative to track the valueassociated with the particular item. In such embodiments, the server 160may also be operative to associate the data corresponding with theparticular item and the particular user who uses the item to conductgaming activities. This enables the at least one server 160 to performother functions. These other functions may include, for example,targeted marketing, providing benefits and premiums to users, and/orminimizing the risk of fraudulent activity. In some embodiments theautomated banking machine may utilize the principles described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,039,600, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Of course these approaches are merelyexamples of functions that may be carried out responsive to processingof data by the at least one server.

In still other example embodiments, users may use items includingmachine readable indicia in the form of data which can be associatedwith a particular accrued value account. The gaming machines and/orautomated banking machine will each include a reader for reading indiciaon such items. In such circumstances, the particular data included onthe item may not be changed responsive to gaming activity. Rather, theat least one server may maintain an account associated with theparticular item and/or user. Further in some embodiments the dataassociated with the user's accrued value account may be a biometricfeature. This may include, for example, one or more fingerprints, irisscan data, retina scan data, voice print, face print or other biometricdata or combinations thereof. The account may be adjusted throughoperation of the at least one server to reflect the user's winnings orlosses through adjustments to the record in the at least one data store.This approach may avoid the need to have the gaming machines includedevices which produce and/or modify gaming tickets or other items heldby the user. Of course these approaches are examples.

In still other embodiments, the gaming machines or items associatedtherewith may include verification devices to help minimize the risk offraud or theft in connection with the use of gaming tickets or otheritems that represent value. These may include, for example, biometricreaders in operative connection with one or more of the gaming machines.In such embodiments a biometric identifier may be sensed and stored inthe at least one data store 162 in operative connection with one or moreof the server computers 160 in the network. The biometric identifier maybe stored in correlated relation with data corresponding to theparticular gaming ticket and/or the machine readable indicia thereon, orother identifying data associated with a gaming item. In someembodiments the particular gaming item may only be used or redeemed forcash or other value, if the user seeking to use or redeem the itemcorresponds to the stored biometric data. Approaches of this type may beused to minimize the risk of theft or counterfeiting of gaming ticketsor other items.

It should be understood that these approaches are examples of approachesthat may be used.

In an example embodiment, the automated banking machine 152 is operativeto enable a user to redeem gaming tickets for cash or other value. In anexample embodiment, the machine operates in accordance with itsprogramming to enable the user to conduct a transaction in which agaming ticket is presented to the machine. The gaming ticket has machinereadable indicia thereon which is read by the code reading device 180.In the example embodiment, the machine is operative to receive thegaming ticket into the machine for purposes of reading the indicia.However, in other embodiments certain reading devices that can readindicia from an item that is external of the machine housing may beused.

The automated banking machine operates in accordance with itsprogramming to communicate data corresponding to the machine readableindicia corresponding to one or more codes read from the item to the oneor more servers 160 in the accrued value processing network. The atleast one server is operative to determine the amount in the accruedvalue account associated with the particular code of codes representedby the machine readable indicia. If the machine readable indiciacorresponds to a current accrued value account, and such accountincludes a value amount associated therewith, the at least one servercommunicates one or more messages to the machine, which indicates thatthe ticket can be redeemed for value, and the amount thereof. Of courseif the gaming ticket is invalid or is otherwise not suitable for beingredeemed, the messages from the at least one server to the machine willso indicate.

Responsive to the at least one server indicating that the gaming ticketis suitable for redemption, the at least one processor operates inaccordance with its programming to provide value to the user. Theexample embodiment also operates, responsive to redeeming the gamingticket, to retain the ticket in a storage location within the machine.

In some example transactions, the user will indicate through inputs tothe machine that the user wishes to redeem the gaming ticket for cash.In that case, the at least one processor 190 in the machine will operateto cause the bill dispenser 176 and/or coin dispenser 178 to operate todispense cash to the user. In some embodiments the cash dispensed maypay the user to the penny. In other embodiments, as discussed, themachine may operate to round the amount to a particular value that canbe provided by the machine through the dispensing of the available billand coin denominations.

In still other embodiments, the automated banking machine may operate inaccordance with its programming to redeem gaming tickets for value inother ways. These may include, for example, enabling the user to depositthe value in an account that is accessible through the banking network.In such cases, the user transaction at the machine may include reading acard associated with the user's account, which includes data whichenables the machine to communicate through the banking network anddeposit the redeemed funds in a financial account associated with theuser. In some embodiments, the at least one processor 190 in the machinemay operate to enable the user to conduct transactions in which aportion of the value from the gaming ticket is deposited in an accountof the user accessible through the banking network while another portionis provided in another form. The other form may include cash, gamingtokens, gaming tickets, vouchers for goods or services, or other itemsthat are dispensable by the machine. Of course these approaches areexamples.

In still other example embodiments, the automated banking machine mayoperate in accordance with its programming to only provide value in theform of cash or gaming tickets, tokens or chips in redemptiontransactions meeting certain parameters. These parameters may include,for example, transactions under a certain value amount or that meetother programmed criteria. For example, if the gaming ticket that a userwishes to redeem is above a certain specified value, the at least oneprocessor in the machine may operate to cause the machine to provideoutputs to the user that direct the user to the cashier cage at thegaming establishment. Such an approach may be desirable in someembodiments to avoid premature depletion of available bills or otheritems that are stored in the machine. Such an approach may also bedesirable in some cases where there is concern regarding possible fraudor theft of gaming tickets. Of course in such circumstances the machinemay operate in accordance with its programming to perform otherfunctions. These functions may include the capability to redeem theuser's gaming ticket and provide a check or voucher that can be redeemedat a cashier cage or in another location within the gaming establishmentor other facility. In some embodiments the at least one server or themachine is operative to calculate taxes on a user's winnings and to makedeductions therefrom. The user may be provided with an amount reducedfor tax withholding from the machine. The machine may also be operativeto print and provide the user with a tax withholding form showing taxeswithheld. Of course these approaches are merely examples.

The functions described in connection with the redemption of gamingtickets may also be used in connection with other types of items thatare used in connection with the operation of gaming machines. These mayinclude, for example, items of the type previously discussed such asRFID tokens, smart cards, pendants or other items which include machinereadable indicia that can be read by the code reading device installedin an automated banking machine. As previously discussed, these itemsmay include the capabilities of changing the indicia on the item throughoperation of the gaming machines so as to indicate value thereon.Alternatively, or in addition, the items may include more permanent datawhich is used by the accrued value processing network to track theparticular value associated with the machine readable indicia and datareadable from the particular item. Such items may also comprisebiometric data that is used in lieu of other machine produced items.Alternatively or in addition machine produced items may have biometricor other identifying data associated with the accrued value accountrecords stored in the at least one data store 162 to help minimize therisk of fraud. Of course it should be understood that in at least someembodiments where the item includes changeable data representative ofvalue, the machine may include in operative connection with at least oneprocessor, a suitable device for changing the data included on the itemso as to indicate that the value associated therewith has beeneliminated or reduced as a result of total or partial redemptionthereof. Of course in some embodiments the item may be captured by themachine in a manner similar to that described in connection with gamingtickets. In other embodiments the particular item may be retained by theuser for use in the future in connection with gaming or otheractivities.

In still other example embodiments, the automated banking machine 152may be operative to provide gaming tickets or other items which can beused in connection with the operation of gaming machines. For example,the machine 152 may operate in an example embodiment to cause value tobe withdrawn by a user from a banking account accessible through anetwork, and to apply such value to the purchase by the user of one ormore gaming tickets. In such embodiments the machine operates inaccordance with its programming to print at least one gaming ticket thatincludes machine readable indicia thereon. In such a transaction themachine is also operative to communicate with the at least one computerserver 160 in the accrued value processing network, to indicate thetransaction associated with issuing a gaming ticket. The at least oneserver 160 is operative to establish at least one record in the at leastone data store 162, associating the machine readable indicia that isprinted on the gaming ticket and the amount of value associatedtherewith. Of course, in some embodiments the at least one servercomputer 160 may also be operative to store additional information insuch records, including information about the user's banking account,the user or other information that may be appropriate or desirable to betracked in connection with the accrued value processing system.

In other alternative embodiments, the automated banking machine 152 maybe operative to issue gaming tickets responsive to other sources ofvalue that are received or accessed by the machine. These may include,for example, currency deposited as bills or coin in appropriate cashaccepting devices within the machine. The machine may operate inaccordance with its programming to issue gaming tickets includingmachine readable indicia in response to such items. Of course, in suchembodiments the machine is operative to communicate with the at leastone server computer so as to establish the records necessary for thetracking of the dispensed gaming ticket.

In still other example embodiments, the at least one automated bankingmachine may be operative to receive other value, such as checks, from auser. This may be done, for example, by using the principles describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,137,551; 7,090,122; and/or 7,147,147, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. The machine may operate in accordance with its programming tocommunicate with the banking network or other external network to acceptthe check and provide a user with value. Such value may includedispensing of a gaming ticket including machine readable indicia. Ofcourse, the automated banking machine in such circumstances may alsooperate in accordance with its programming to communicate with the oneor more sensors 160 so as to establish the records associated with thegaming ticket dispensed. The communications may also store in connectiontherewith information corresponding to the particular check cashed. Forexample in some example embodiments, the at least one machine mayoperate in accordance with the descriptions of the incorporateddisclosures to produce data corresponding to an image of one or moresides of the check received into the machine. The check may then bepresented electronically into a settlement network so that the gamingestablishment may promptly receive credit in its account for the valueof the particular check. This approach may be used to facilitate checkprocessing and reduce the risk that the check is later dishonored forinsufficient funds. Of course these approaches are examples, and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

In still other example embodiments, the automated banking machine mayoperate to produce items that can be used in gaming activities otherthan gaming tickets. These items may be items that are dispensable fromthe machine. In still other embodiments, the machine may operate withitems associated with the user that include machine readable indiciathat is changeable thereon. In such cases the machine may include anappropriate device for changing the data on the particular item that isused in conjunction with the gaming machines so as to include data whichis indicative of the amount of value that is associated therewith. Ofcourse in still other embodiments of the type previously discussed,certain items and/or biometric identifiers used in connection withoperating gaming machines may not necessarily have changeable datathereon. For processing transactions involving such items oridentifiers, the machine may operate to communicate to the at least oneserver 160. The server may operate to change the data included in therecord corresponding to the particular item or identifier so as toreflect changes in the value thereof. Of course these approaches areexamples.

FIG. 10 represents schematically the operation of an example automatedbanking machine 152 in a gaming establishment which includes gamingmachines that operate in response to gaming tickets. These gamingtickets include machine readable indicia such as bar code. In theexample process described, the machine 152 operates to receive valuefrom a user in one of the ways previously described, and to print agaming ticket including machine readable indicia thereon. This gamingticket is delivered to the user. The machine also operates in accordancewith its programming to communicate through the accrued value processingnetwork with the at least one server computer 160. The server computeris operative to create or modify a record included in at least one datastore 162, including data corresponding to the machine readable indiciaon the gaming ticket as well as the value associated therewith. Forpurposes of this disclosure, value associated with the machine readableindicia will be alternatively referred to as an accrued value accountassociated with the particular gaming ticket. Of course, as previouslydescribed, the at least one computer server 160 may also process andstore other data associated with a gaming ticket. These may include, forexample, user identifying data, time data, source of value data, checkdata (when a gaming item was paid for by cashing a check), bank accountdata (in cases where the item was purchased and value deducted from abank account), user biometric data or other data that may be useful inthe system.

The gaming ticket may be taken by a user to a gaming machine 156. In theexample embodiment, the gaming machine 156 accepts the gaming ticket andreads the machine readable indicia thereon through a reading deviceincluded in the gaming machine. The gaming machine which receives thegaming ticket communicates through the accrued value processing networkwith the at least one server 160. Communication with the at least oneserver is operative to determine if the gaming ticket is valid, as wellas the value associated therewith.

Assuming that the gaming ticket is determined as valid, the servercommunicates with the gaming machine in a manner which authorizes theplaying of one or more games at the machine. The user is enabled tooperate the gaming machine 156 to play one or more games up to a timethat the value associated with the gaming ticket is depleted. In theexample system, the gaming machines are operative to enable the user tooptionally decide to cease playing the game at the machine in which theoriginal gaming ticket has been deposited. When the user provides inputsto the gaming machine that the user wishes to cease playing, the gamingmachine is operative to determine the amount that the user is entitledto receive. Of course, in some embodiments this may be done by thegaming machine, the server 160 or a combination thereof. Upondetermination of the amount that the user is then currently entitled toreceive, the at least one gaming machine is operative to produce a newgaming ticket including machine readable indicia thereon and deliver itto the user. This may be done by the gaming machine printing a newticket with one or more codes thereon. The example gaming machine isalso operative to communicate with the at least one server so as toenable the at least one server to produce or modify at least one recordin at least one data store. The example record includes datacorresponding to the at least one code corresponding to indicia on thegaming ticket and the accrued value account associated therewith.

It should be understood that, in some embodiments, each gaming machinemay produce items with different machine readable indicia from themachine readable indicia on the gaming ticket that was originallydeposited into the gaming machine when the user started playing games atthe machine. In such embodiments the at least one server 160 isoperative to cancel the accrued value account associated with the codescorresponding to the original machine readable indicia, and includerecords in the at least one data store corresponding to a new accruedvalue account associated with the new machine readable indicia. However,in other embodiments the data represented by machine readable indicia onthe gaming ticket may be wholly or partially the same as that providedto the gaming machine. In such cases, the at least one server may beoperative to update an accrued value account record for the previousticket rather than create a different record corresponding to adifferent account. In still other embodiments, approaches may be usedfor tracking the redemption and issuance of gaming tickets. Such datamay be particularly useful for analysis purposes to determine instancesof fraud or malfunction in gaming machines.

Returning to the description of the example operation shown in FIG. 10,the gaming ticket produced by the gaming machine, at the conclusion ofthe user's game playing activity at that machine, may be taken by theuser to another gaming machine. The gaming ticket may be accepted inthat machine for purposes of playing the games provided through thatmachine. Again, that gaming machine would communicate through theaccrued value processing network to track the value associated with theinput gaming ticket and the gaming activity. Upon the completion of thegame playing activity at that machine, the example embodiment causesthat gaming machine to issue to the user another gaming ticket. Thevalue associated with that ticket is increased or decreased depending ongames won or lost at the machine. This process may be repeated until theuser decides that they no longer wish to play games that accept gamingtickets and/or they wish to redeem their then-current gaming ticket forvalue.

When the user wishes to redeem a gaming ticket for value, the user maytake the gaming ticket to the automated banking machine. Presentation ofthe gaming ticket to the example machine causes the machine to operatein accordance with its programming to enable the user to receive valuefor the gaming ticket. This may be done in one of the ways previouslydiscussed. The user may provide one or more inputs to the machine tochoose transactions that are made available through the machine. Thesemay include, for example, the deposit of value in an account accessiblethrough the banking network, receipt of bills, coin, other gaming items,or to conduct other transactions. Of course these approaches areexamples of transactions that may be conducted.

In still other example embodiments the gaming machines may operate toread a user's biometric feature such as a fingerprint, iris scan, handscan, voice print, or combinations thereof. In such an exampleembodiment the accrued value of the account is associated in at leastone data store with one or more data values that are produced byprocessing the readable biometric features. In such example embodimentsthe user may operate the gaming machines by enabling the machine to readthe one or more biometric features. Such an approach may be useful inthat it avoids the needs for machine-produced items such as tickets inconnection with operating the machines.

Further in some example embodiments the automated banking machine mayinclude a biometric reader among its transaction function devices. Themachine may operate to enable a user to withdraw funds from one or morefinancial accounts, and associate such a value in at least one datastore in the accrued gaming value network in association with datacorresponding to the user's one or more biometric identifiers. Thus insome example embodiments the user may associate value with the datacorresponding to at least one biometric identifier at the machine, andthen use that value for game playing activities at various gamingmachines operatively connected in the accrued value network. Aspreviously discussed the outcomes of the game playing activities resultin adding or reducing the data corresponding to value in the accruedvalue network associated with the at least one biometric identifier.

In further example embodiments the automated banking machine may beoperative to enable a user to transfer value associated with the accruedvalue network to banking accounts or other accounts accessible through afinancial transaction network. Further in example embodiments themachine may be operative to enable the user to redeem value in theiraccrued value account for cash or other value. This may be accomplishedthrough the user providing to the machine or other device the one ormore biometric identifiers necessary to identify the user a8 beingentitled to receive value from the accrued value account. Of course thisapproach is an example and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

Further it should be understood that although the automated bankingmachine of the example embodiment may be referred to as an ATM, othertypes of automated banking machines may operate using the principlesdiscussed herein.

Although the example embodiment has been described in connection withgaming systems, the principles may be applied to other types of systemsin which an automated banking machine is used to redeem items for valueor dispense items that can be used to receive goods or services. Inaddition, the principles described can be used in combination with thosereferred to in connection with other types of systems to provide theuser with additional types of transactions.

In still other example embodiments, automated banking machines mayoperate to dispense items other than printed tickets. For example insome embodiments, the machine may include a card dispenser. The machinemay be operative to provide cards to a user in exchange for value. Themachine may be operative to include data representative of value oncards by encoding data on a magnetic stripe or computer chip resident onthe card or through other methods. In some example embodiments the carddispensed by the machine may be taken to gaming machines and the valuethereon applied to playing games at the machines. The datarepresentative of value on the card may be incremented upwards ordownwards based on winning or losing. In some example embodiments thecard may also be redeemed for cash at the machine in a manner similar totickets previously discussed. Of course this approach is an example.

In still other embodiments, certain of the principles previouslydescribed may be used in connection with automated banking machines andsystems to facilitate the ability to receive cash in exchange for acheck. Many people prefer to conduct transactions in cash for numerousreasons. Cash has the benefit of being accepted without the need for theoperation of computer systems and devices. Cash is also useful in thatit is not generally traceable as it moves from one person to another.The use of cash is also a necessity for persons who do not have bankaccounts or who do not wish to use their accounts in connection withcertain transactions.

A system 196 shown schematically in FIG. 11 represents an exampleapproach in which checks can be more readily redeemed for cash atautomated banking machines. In the example embodiment, checks areenabled to be redeemed for cash without the need for a machine user toprovide inputs to the machine that directly correlate to the personalidentity of the user presenting the check or the user's account. Theexample system further enables a person who is presented with a check toverify that the check will be honored for the check amount. In this waythe recipient of the check can minimize the risk that the check will bedishonored.

The example system shown in FIG. 11 includes one or more automatedbanking machines represented 198, 200. In the example embodiment, themachines are of the type previously described and may include a displayfor providing user instructions. The machines may also include at leastone input device such as a card reader, key pad and function keys.Automated banking machines of an example embodiment also include a checkreader which comprises a check imaging device of the type that isoperative to receive a check and produce image data corresponding tovisual appearance of the check. The example machines also include atleast one cash dispenser that is selectively operative to dispensecurrency to users of the machine. Each machine also includes at leastone processor that is in operative connection with devices of themachine and that operates in accordance with its programming to enablethe machine to carry out transactions. In the example embodiment themachines may operate to provide cash dispensing transactions, checkdeposit accepting transactions, delivery of digital informationtransactions, or other types of transactions of the types previouslydiscussed, as well as the check cashing transactions of the typedescribed hereafter.

Automated banking machines 198 and 200 are operatively connected througha network 202 to at least one computer 204. It should be understood thatalthough only one computer 204 is shown, computer 204 may in someembodiments comprise a plurality of servers or other computers. At leastone computer 204 is in operative connection with at least one data store206.

In some example embodiments computer 204 may be remotely located fromeach automated banking machine and may comprise a financial accountcomputer such as one operated by a bank or other institution that tracksfinancial accounts for users. For example in some embodiments, at leastone computer 204 may be a computer operatively connected to anaccounting system that tracks user accounts such as checking accounts,and maintains data related to such accounts, including the balancestherein, in the at least one data store 206. In the example embodiment,at least one computer 204 is operative to communicate with machines 198,200 to cause the machines to carry out transactions. Of course it shouldbe understood that while only two automated banking machines are shown,other embodiments may include computers in operative communication withany number of automated banking machines.

At least one consumer interface device 208 is in operative communicationwith at least one computer 204. Consumer interface device 208 isoperative to provide communications with users of the example system.Specifically, in an example embodiment the consumer interface device 208is operative to receive communications from account holders whose datais accessible through operation of at least one computer 204. Consumerinterface device 208 is also operative to provide communications to suchaccount holders. In addition, the example consumer interface device 208is also operative to receive inputs from and to provide outputs topersons who may be holding checks for which data has been stored throughoperation of the at least one computer.

In some example embodiments, consumer interface device 208 may include atelephonic interactive voice response (IVR) device. The IVR device maybe operative to receive inputs from users by phone, such as phonesconnected via land line 210. An IVR device may also be operative tocommunicate with portable electronic devices such as cell phones orpersonal digital assistants (PDAs) 212, 214, which wirelesslycommunicate through a cell phone system schematically indicated 216, orother wireless communications methodologies.

In the example embodiment the telephonic IVR device may be operative toreceive inputs from users in the form of telephonic key presses.Software operating in the at least one computer 204 may provide audibleoutputs in the form of simulated voice outputs to provide users withprompts and outputs through audible messages. Users may then provide keypress inputs through phones, PDAs or other devices in response thereto.In other example embodiments, the at least one computer 204 may includevoice analysis software. Such voice analysis software may enable usersto provide spoken audible inputs that can be interpreted throughoperation of the at least one computer. The at least one computer maythen operate to provide audible outputs to users. Of course theseapproaches are examples.

In other embodiments, the at least one consumer interface device mayinclude a text messaging device. Such a device may provide thecapability to communicate text messaging capabilities with cell phones,PDAs or other devices. Alternatively or in addition, the consumerinterface device may provide text messaging capabilities through anetwork 218 with remote computers or other devices 220. In this exampleembodiment, the consumer interface device may receive inputs in the formof text messages and may provide outputs to users in such form. Ofcourse these approaches are examples.

In still other example embodiments, the at least one consumer interfacedevice may be in operative connection with a web interface. Such a webinterface may provide communications through a wide area network such asthe Internet, or through other public or private networks. Such a webinterface may enable the consumer interface device to communicatethrough HTTP messages and other messages, with remote devices to receiveinputs and provide outputs. In some example embodiments, a web interfacemay enable the consumer interface device 208 to receive messagesincluding image data corresponding to an image of the check. The atleast one computer 204 may operate computer programs that enableanalysis of such check image data to determine check identifying data,amount data, or other values based on the image data. The at least onecomputer may analyze check image data generated through a digitalcamera, schematically indicated 222, which data has been downloaded viapersonal computer or other device, as well as through camera phones orother image capture devices, to facilitate the carrying out oftransactions as later discussed. Of course these approaches areexamples, and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In an example embodiment, an account holder associated with a financialaccount such as a checking account prepares a check schematicallyrepresented by check 224. Check 224 is drawn on the account holder'saccount. The account holder is alternatively referred to herein as themaker of the check. Check 224 may be a standard bank check in someembodiments, and in other embodiments may be a special check or othertype of instrument suitable for use with the particular system.

In an example embodiment, the maker of the check may wish to write thecheck payable to a person who does not have a checking account.Alternatively, the maker of the check may be writing the check to aperson who would prefer to receive cash instead of a check. Further insome cases, the recipient of the check may require the maker to make thecheck payable to “Cash”.

In some situations, such as transaction environments where the recipienthas no prior or continuing relationship with the maker of the check, therecipient may be reluctant to accept the check. This is because thecheck may not be backed by sufficient funds in the account. Further insome cases, the person receiving a check may have a concern that even ifthere are sufficient funds in a maker's account at the time of receiptof the check, by the time the check is cashed the funds in the accountmay be depleted so that the check is dishonored.

Some example embodiments can address these issues by assuring a checkrecipient that the funds represented by the check are available. Furtherexample embodiments may provide that the check recipient can receivecash in exchange for the check without the need for the recipient tohave a financial account or for the recipient to personally identifythemselves. In an example embodiment, the maker of the check can provideassurance to a check recipient that funds are present by contacting theinstitution on which the check is drawn. In an example embodiment, thecheck maker, using a phone or other device, transmits data to the atleast one computer 204. In an example embodiment, the maker of the checkcommunicates with the at least one computer through the at least oneconsumer interface device 208.

In an example embodiment, the maker of the check first communicates,responsive to prompt messages, data which identifies the maker as anauthorized user of the system. This can include, for example, providingthe user's name, a secret code, certain passwords, other identifyingdata or combinations thereof. The at least one computer 204 in responseto data stored in the at least one data store 206 is operative toidentify the maker contacting the system as an authorized account holderwho is authorized to use the system.

In the example embodiment, once the computer has verified that theaccount holder contacting the system is an authorized user, the accountholder provides information to the system which identifies the check.This check identifying data may include, for example, data included onthe check such as the check number. Alternatively or in addition, theidentifying data may include all or a selected portion of the micr lineincluded on the check. In still other embodiments, the user may provideto the computer through the at least one consumer interface, other datawhich is usable to identify the check. As can be appreciated, the usermay provide this information through audible inputs, text inputs, orother inputs as appropriate for the particular type of consumerinterface device. Alternatively or in addition in some embodiments, auser may identify the check by providing an image of the check to the atleast one consumer interface. This may be done, for example, through adigital picture taken with a camera, a portable phone or other imagecapture device. Of course this approach is an example. Through the atleast one consumer interface the maker of the check also provides in theexample embodiment, data corresponding to the amount of the check. Themaker may provide this input via numerical inputs such as through aphone or computer. In other embodiments, the check value may be includedin the image data which corresponds to the visual image of the check.

In example embodiments where image data corresponding to a visual imageof the check is presented to the system, at least one computer 204operates software of the type discussed in connection with otherembodiments that is capable of identifying characters included in theimage data. In this way the at least one computer 204 is enabled toresolve check identifying data such as micr line data, check numberdata, or other data. The computer is also enabled to resolve the checkamount such as, for example, the courtesy amount and/or legal amountassociated with the check. Of course different approaches may be takenin other embodiments.

After receiving check identifying data, the check amount data, as wellas other data that may be required by the system, the at least onecomputer 204 in the example embodiment is operative to determine if theaccount holder's account has sufficient funds to pay the check. If theat least one computer determines that the funds are not available, theat least one computer operates to notify the account holder through theat least one consumer interface device.

If the account holder has the funds available, the at least one computerin the example embodiment is operative in accordance with itsprogramming to generate certification data. This certification data inthe example embodiment comprises a generally unique code. The code maycomprise a unique alphanumeric or other type of code which can be usedin conjunction with the check to verify that the check is good. Thecertification data may also be used at an automated banking machine toexchange the check for cash without the bearer of the check having toprovide inputs to the machine which personally identify the individualpresenting the check, and without the need to have a debit card or otherdevice as may be necessary to operate the machine for purposes of othertransactions. Of course these approaches are examples.

In the example embodiment, the at least one computer 204 is alsooperative at or near the time of outputting the certification data, tocause the funds corresponding to the check amount to be placed on holdand reserved for purposes of paying the check. In this way, a checkrecipient is assured that the amount of the check will be paidregardless of additional checks which may be drawn on the account afterthe check is written. In some example embodiments, the at least onecomputer may operate to transfer the funds to a special account, such asan accrued value account of the type previously described, for thespecific purpose of paying the check. In other embodiments the at leastone computer may operate to reserve the amount of the check withoutmaking an immediate deduction from the account. Of course theseapproaches are examples, and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In an example system, the maker of the check provides the certificationdata along with the check to the check recipient. The check recipient isenabled to verify that the check will be paid when it is presented. Thismay be accomplished by the person receiving the check contacting theinstitution or other entity upon which the check is drawn. The checkrecipient may do this by communicating messages with the at least onecomputer 204 through the at least one consumer interface device 208.This might be done, for example, via cell phone at the time that thecheck recipient first receives the check. In an example embodiment, thecheck recipient may use a cell phone to communicate with the at leastone consumer interface device such as a telephone IVR device. The checkrecipient may provide inputs which identify the check, as well as thecertification data. This may be done in response to prompts or otheroutputs from the consumer interface device. In response to the inputsidentifying the check and the certification data, as well as other datathat the system may request to be provided by the check recipient, theat least one computer 204 is operative to determine if the check will behonored.

The at least one computer 204 makes this determination responsive to thedata stored in the data store 206 regarding the check. If the computer204 determines that the check will not be honored, the check recipientis so informed through the at least one consumer interface. However, ifthe at least one computer 204 determines that the check will be redeemedfor cash, at least one output is provided through the consumer interfacedevice to the check recipient which provides the check recipientassurance that the check will be honored for the check amount.

This example approach provides convenience in transaction situationsthat are conducted away from electronic devices that are normally usedto conduct transactions. For example, a person wishing to purchase anitem at a garage sale or a flea market may write a check that therecipient can verify will be honored via cell phone or other remotecommunication. Likewise, persons passing through a particular areaselling crafts, doing odd jobs or other activities not associated with afixed place of business, may take checks with assurance that the checkswill be honored. In some cases the check recipient may receive a checkmade out to cash which can be cashed in a manner which is generally nottraceable back to the check recipient. In example embodiments theapproach may enable the paying party to have the benefits of paying bycheck and the receiving party to have the benefits of receiving paymentin cash. Of course these approaches are examples.

The recipient of the check may exchange it for cash at an automatedbanking machine. The example machines are programmed to operate so as toenable the automated banking machine to receive the check without havingto first input a debit or credit card or other machine actuating device.Of course this approach is an example. Further in some embodiments, arecipient of a check may be able to operate the machine using a debit orcredit card and have the check accepted in the course of a deposittransaction to a user's financial account. In the example embodiment, acheck recipient not wishing to be personally identified as cashing thecheck approaches an automated banking machine, the user provides inputsthrough at least one input device of the machine to indicate that theywish to cash a check of the type that has associated certification data.This may be done by providing inputs to the machine to select atransaction description output on a display or through other methods ofproviding inputs so as to indicate to the machine the type oftransaction that the user wishes to conduct.

Responsive to operation of at least one processor in the automatedbanking machine, the machine is operative to instruct the user to inputthe check to the machine and to provide the certification data throughat least one input device on the machine such as a key pad. In anexample embodiment, the machine is operative through operation of thecheck imaging device to produce image data corresponding to a visualimage of the check. This may be done by an imaging device in the mannerpreviously described. The example machine is then operative responsiveto the image data to determine identifying data associated with thecheck. This may include, for example, data included in the micr line,data included in a check number, or other data on the check. The examplemachine is also operative to resolve at least one amount value based onthe image data. This amount value may include the courtesy amount, thelegal amount, or both.

The example automated banking machine is operative to thereaftercommunicate with the at least one computer 204. In the exampleembodiment, the at least one machine is operative to communicate to theat least one computer, data corresponding to the check identifying data,the certification data, and the amount data. Of course some embodimentsmay not transmit all of these items, and other embodiments may transmitadditional items. Further in still other embodiments, the at least onecomputer may be operative to transmit data corresponding to the checkidentifying data and/or the certification data to the machine such thatthe machine can validate the data against what it has received and/orresolved. Further, it should be understood that in example embodimentsthe data communicated between the machine and the at least one computeris subject to security procedures such as encryption, transmissionthrough a virtual private network, or other methodologies to maintainthe secrecy thereof.

In the example embodiment, the at least one computer 204 remote from theautomated banking machine is operative to determine, responsive to thedata stored in the at least one data store 206, whether the check dataand certification data correspond to data stored in the at least onedata store. The at least one computer is also operative to determine ifthe at least one amount determined by the machine corresponds to theamount that appears on the check.

In the example embodiment, if the certification data, check identifyingdata and/or amount associated with the check input at the automatedbanking machine do not correspond to the data stored in the at least onedata store, at least one communication to the machine indicative thereofis provided by the at least one computer 204. The machine is operativeresponsive to such communication to advise the user through at least oneoutput from the machine. In the example embodiment the check may bereturned to the user in circumstances where it does not appear that afraud is being committed. Of course in some embodiments, if it appearsthat the user is attempting to perpetrate a fraud, for example if thecheck is a duplicate of one that has already been redeemed for cash, theat least one machine may operate in accordance with its programming tocapture and store the check in the machine. Of course this approach isan example.

If the at least one computer is operative to determine that the datacorresponding to the check sent from the automated banking machinecorresponds to data for a valid check in the at least one data store206, the at least one computer communicates to the machine authorizationdata indicating that the check should be redeemed for cash. The machineoperates in response to such communication to operate the at least onecash dispenser in the machine to dispense to the user cash correspondingto the check amount. In an example embodiment the machine furtheroperates to store the check in the machine.

In the example embodiment, the recipient of the check is enabled toreceive cash in exchange for the check without having to provide toinput devices on the automated banking machine, data which personallyidentifies the particular person receiving cash for the check. Thus, forexample, in the example embodiment, the user does not have to input acard, biometric input, or other identifying data that can be used todetermine the user's identity as a condition to receiving cash inexchange for the check.

It should be understood that in some embodiments automated bankingmachines may be in operative connection with cameras such as cameras 226shown schematically in FIG. 11. These cameras may operate to captureimages of persons conducting transactions, for security purposes.However, the images captured by such cameras of machine users is notconsidered for purposes of this disclosure to be a required input by auser which identifies the user receiving cash for the particular check.This is because in the example embodiment, in the absence of fraud orother circumstances, image data of users conducting transactions, isstored on a temporary basis and discarded periodically. In this way, insome example embodiments the image of the person who cashed the checkwhich might be used to determine the person's identity, is eventuallydiscarded. In this way, the check recipient may feel comfortable thatthe receipt and cashing of the check provides the benefits that wouldotherwise be associated with receiving of cash directly. Of course theseapproaches are examples.

In some embodiments, fees may be imposed on the check maker and/or checkrecipients for the service. The at least one computer may deduct a feeat the time the certification data is issued and/or a deduction may bemade from the amount dispensed to the machine user.

As can be appreciated, the principles described in connection with theexample embodiment may be applied to other systems as well. For example,in the system used in connection with gaming establishments previouslydescribed, a system of the type shown in FIG. 11 could be used todetermine the value associated with a card, gaming ticket or other item.In such an alternative embodiment, for example, a person having such acard or gaming ticket could provide it to another person. The personreceiving such an item could by providing information appearing on theitem such as code numbers, symbols or other data, contact at least onecomputer in operative connection with a database, that includes datathat can be used to determine the value associated with the particularitem. Communication through a consumer interface device may enable aperson considering accepting such a gaming ticket, card or other item todetermine the value associated therewith. Further in some embodiments,the recipient of such an item may receive or provide further inputs tothe system to help assure that the value associated with the item is notdissipated in some way before the recipient has an opportunity to obtainthe benefit thereof. This may be done, for example, by the at least onecomputer being programmed to issue certification data to the recipientwhich must be input at an automated banking machine, gaming machine orother device at a later time in order to utilize the particular item. Instill other embodiments, the same principles may be applied to cards orother items dispensed from an automated banking machine. A personconsidering receiving such a card in exchange for value may be able tocontact at least one computer through a consumer interface device toverify the card's value. In this way, a person considering giving valuein exchange for such a card has greater assurance that the card has thevalue represented. In other embodiments checks or other items may beexchanged for cash in other transaction environments, such as by a bankteller, check service provider or retail establishment.

Of course these approaches are examples, and the principles describedmay be used in conjunction with other types of systems and devices.

Thus the example systems and methods described herein achieve at leastone of the above stated objectives, eliminates difficulties encounteredin the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems and attains thedesirable results described herein. In the foregoing description certainterms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however nounnecessary limitations are to be implied because such terms are usedfor descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way ofexamples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown anddescribed.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function will be construed as encompassing any means known to thoseskilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function, andwill not be limited to the structures shown herein or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in theappended claims.

1. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium of instructionswith instructions encoded thereon for execution by a processor, and whenexecuted operable to: receive from an account holder through a consumerinterface device data identifying a check from an account associatedwith an account holder and a check amount associated with the check;determine whether the check can be validly drawn on the account in thecheck amount; provide certification data to the account holder throughthe consumer interface device responsive to determining that the checkcan be validly drawn on the account; store data corresponding to thecheck, the check amount and the certification data in a data store;receive from a remotely disposed automated banking machine datarepresentative of the certification and data representative of thecheck; determine whether the data representative of the certificationdata and the data representative of the check received from theautomated banking machine correspond to certification data and datacorresponding to the check that are stored in the data store; andauthorizing the automated banking machine to dispense an amount of cashto the machine user responsive to determining that the datarepresentative of the certification data and the data representative ofthe check received from the automated banking machine correspond tocertification data and data corresponding to the check that are storedin the data store; wherein the amount of cash corresponds to the checkamount.
 2. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 1, theinstructions further operable to: receive from a remote user device, arequest to validate the check, the request comprises data representativeof the certification data and data representative of the check; and senddata to the remote user device data indicative that the check can beexchanged for the check amount upon validating the data representativeof the certification data and data representative of the check with datastored in the data store.
 3. The computer readable medium set forth inclaim 2, wherein the consumer interface device includes a telephonicinteractive voice response (IVR) device, the instructions are furtheroperable to send data to the remote user device that includes an audibletelephonic output.
 4. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 2,the instructions are further operable to: receive from the remoteautomated banking machine image data corresponding to a visual image ofthe check; and resolve from the image data, data identifying the checkand the check amount.
 5. The computer readable medium set forth in claim4, the instructions are further operable to resolve data correspondingto at least one character from at least one of a group consisting of amicr line and a check number on the check.
 6. The computer readablemedium set forth in claim 4, the instructions are further operable toreceive from the consumer interface device data corresponding to avisual image of the check.
 7. The computer readable medium set forth inclaim 1, the instructions are further operable to cause funds in theaccount of the account holder in the check amount to be put on hold. 8.The computer readable medium set forth in claim 1, the instructions arefurther operable to cause funds in the account of the account holder inthe check amount to be moved to a special account.
 9. The computerreadable medium set forth in claim 1, the instructions are furtheroperable to deduct a fee from the check amount; wherein the amountauthorized amount of cash to be dispensed is the check amount minus thefee.
 10. The computer readable medium set forth in claim 1, theinstructions are further operable to deduct a fee from the account ofthe account holder.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: a processor coupledwith a consumer interface and a network; the processor is operable toreceive from a maker of a check via the consumer interface, checkidentifying data, wherein the check identifying data includes datacorresponding to a financial account associated with the maker and acheck amount; the processor is operable to determine from the checkidentifying data whether the check can be paid from the account in thecheck amount; the processor is operable to generate certification dataresponsive to determining that the check can be paid from the account inthe check amount; and the processor is operable to communicate via theconsumer interface, the certification data generated to the maker of thecheck, wherein the instructions are further operable to enable a bearerof the check to use an automated banking machine coupled with thenetwork to carry out a check cashing transaction to exchange the checkfor cash corresponding to the check amount without providing useridentification data.
 13. The apparatus set forth in claim 12, theprocessor is further operable to determine that the certification datareceived from the automated banking machine corresponds to the generatedcertification data.
 14. The apparatus set forth in claim 13, theprocessor is further operable to receive image data corresponding to animage of at least a portion of the check from the automated bankingmachine.
 15. The apparatus set forth in claim 11, wherein datarepresentative of the check further comprises micr data, wherein theprocessor is further operable to determine whether the account of theaccount holder matches the micr data.
 16. The apparatus set forth inclaim 11, wherein the data representative of the check a user inputcheck amount, wherein the instructions are further operable to determinewhether the user input check amount matches the check amount.
 17. Theapparatus set forth in claim 11, the processor is further operable to:receive data representative of the check and the certification data froman automated banking machine for a authorization to exchange the checkfor cash corresponding to the check amount; validate the datarepresentative of the check and the certification data; authorizing cashto be dispensed by the automated banking machine corresponding to thecheck amount responsive to validating the data representative of thecheck and the certification data.